Announcement

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:07 AM

NFL odds: Week 8 opening line report

Going undefeated through the first seven weeks of the NFL schedule isn’t what it used to be.

The Atlanta Falcons, who are 6-0 SU and coming off a bye week, aren’t getting much respect from oddsmakers in Week 7. The Falcons are 1-point road underdogs against the Philadelphia Eagles – a 3-3 team that is coming off back-to-back losses before the bye. Some offshores opened Philadelphia as high as -2.5.

Plenty of bettors are pointing to Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who is notorious for strong showings coming off the bye week. He's 13-0 SU and 10-3 ATS following a week off while Philadelphia, as a franchise, owns a 19-4 SU and a 16-7 ATS mark coming off the bye since 1990.

“I don’t know what people like about Philly,” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service, The Sports Club, told Covers. “I can only go by how they’re playing. And right now, they’re not playing that well.”

Korner says he was the only member of his five-person oddsmaking team that favored Atlanta on the road. He says his service only sent out Philadelphia -1 because they knew what the online books were going to post for Week 7.

“They have some serious chemistry issues,” Korner says about the Eagles. “In football, it is such a violent and emotional game, that chemistry keeps it all together.”

Philadelphia dropped to 3-3 SU (1-4-1 ATS) after a fourth-quarter collapse in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 6. That cost defensive coordinator Juan Castillo his job – a bullet many insiders suggest Castillo took for Reid, who has come under fire for his choice to stand by QB Michael Vick, despite Vick’s lackluster performances and turnover troubles (eight INTs, six fumbles).

“Vick doesn’t even look like he’s f-ing trying out there,” says Korner. “He seems like he’s going through the motions.”

The Falcons, on the other hand, remained perfect with a 23-20 win over the Oakland Raiders at home in Week 6. Atlanta failed to cover the 9.5-point spread and is just 1-2 ATS in its past three outings, sitting at 4-2 ATS on the year.

“What’s not to like about Atlanta?” asks Korner.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-1, 47.5)

Following a Week 1 loss to the Cowboys, the Giants have slowly built momentum and enter Week 7 at 5-2 SU off a tough win over the Washington Redskins this past weekend. However, oddsmakers have tabbed Dallas as a 1-point home favorite for this NFC East grudge match.

“The Giants are a big-game team and this is a revenge situation for them,” says Korner, who was the only member of his oddsmaking team to favor New York. “I sat there for about 60 seconds in silence before I put out what I wanted. This game is basically a pick’em. At one, you’re basically picking the winner.”

Korner says both sides have a loyal following so it may be hard to anticipate the late action. That massive fan base, along with the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff will make this game the most-bet contest on the board this coming Sunday.

“All that early money is going to funnel right into this game,” says Korner. “It will be the biggest game and will be the deciding game for books. It will have more money on it than the New Orleans-Denver Sunday night game.”

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos (-6.5, 54.5)

Both teams look like they’ve got their grooves back heading into this Sunday night showdown of elite quarterbacks.

Drew Brees and the Saints are putting the pieces back together following back-to-back wins while Peyton Manning and the Broncos had the week off after their thrilling comeback win over the San Diego Chargers in Week 6.

Offshore books opened Denver a near-touchdown favorite, however, The Sports Club sent out a suggested spread of Broncos -3.5.

Korner says there are two ways of looking at these numbers: Denver is good and has been very good at home. And, New Orleans is getting hot and is a very dangerous team.

“One more win and they’re right back to where they should be,” Korner says of the Saints. “Denver has the respect at home and offshore books have made that very clear.”

Korner believes the action is going to come in on New Orleans, with plenty of sharp money on the underdog come Sunday night.

“That’s not a bad place to be, especially for these marquee games,” he says of wise guys wagering on the dog. “This is going to be a great game to watch.”

The total for Sunday Night Football opened at 54.5 points, which is par for the course when it comes to the Saints this season. New Orleans has gone 5-1 over/under, regularly topping numbers in the 50's.

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:08 AM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 8

Tampa Bay at Minnesota
The Vikings look to take advantage of a Tampa Bay team that is coming off a 35-28 loss to New Orleans and is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games following a SU defeat. Minnesota is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Vikings favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-6 1/2). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

Game 103-104: Tampa Bay at Minnesota (8:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 127.222; Minnesota 136.599
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 9 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 6 1/2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-6 1/2); Over

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

Game 219-220: New England vs. St. Louis (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 140.907; St. Louis 131.430
Dunkel Line: New England by 9 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: New England by 6 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: New England (-6 1/2); Under

Game 221-222: Indianapolis at Tennessee (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 122.028; Tennessee 128.474
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 6 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-3 1/2); Under

Game 223-224: Jacksonville at Green Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 123.543; Green Bay 135.092
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 11 1/2; 50
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 16; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+16); Over

Game 225-226: San Diego at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 129.684; Cleveland 131.828
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 2; 40
Vegas Line: San Diego by 3; 44
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+3); Under

Game 227-228: Atlanta at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 136.787; Philadelphia 134.160
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+2 1/2); Over

Game 229-230: Seattle at Detroit (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 133.857; Detroit 130.469
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 3 1/2; 46
Vegas Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+2 1/2); Over

Game 231-232: Miami at NY Jets (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 130.013; NY Jets 134.712
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 4 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 1; 41
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (-1); Under

Game 233-234: Carolina at Chicago (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 129.590; Chicago 135.891
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 6 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Chicago by 9; 43
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+9); Over

Game 235-236: Washington at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 129.055; Pittsburgh 135.576
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 6 1/2; 43
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-4 1/2); Under

Game 237-238: Oakland at Kansas City (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 126.784; Kansas City 125.210
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 2; 41
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+2); Over

Game 239-240: NY Giants at Dallas (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 134.977; Dallas 136.373
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 1 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 1 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+1 1/2); Under

Game 241-242: New Orleans at Denver (8:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 129.150; Denver 138.804
Dunkel Line: Denver by 9 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Denver by 6; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6); Over

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 243-244: San Francisco at Arizona (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 142.350; Arizona 130.083
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 12 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6 1/2; 37 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:08 AM

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 8

Thursday, October 25

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

TAMPA BAY (2 - 4) at MINNESOTA (5 - 2) - 10/25/2012, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

Sunday, October 28

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

NEW ENGLAND (4 - 3) vs. ST LOUIS (3 - 4) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 123-159 ATS (-51.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 96-126 ATS (-42.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 34-54 ATS (-25.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 44-67 ATS (-29.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 123-159 ATS (-51.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 64-89 ATS (-33.9 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 61-88 ATS (-35.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.

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

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

INDIANAPOLIS (3 - 3) at TENNESSEE (3 - 4) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
TENNESSEE is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANAPOLIS 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

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

JACKSONVILLE (1 - 5) at GREEN BAY (4 - 3) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 145-106 ATS (+28.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

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

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

SAN DIEGO (3 - 3) at CLEVELAND (1 - 6) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (6 - 0) at PHILADELPHIA (3 - 3) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 148-109 ATS (+28.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
ATLANTA is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.

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

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

SEATTLE (4 - 3) at DETROIT (2 - 4) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 52-79 ATS (-34.9 Units) off a division game since 1992.
SEATTLE is 27-49 ATS (-26.9 Units) in October games since 1992.
SEATTLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

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

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

MIAMI (3 - 3) at NY JETS (3 - 4) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 2-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
NY JETS is 3-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CAROLINA (1 - 5) at CHICAGO (5 - 1) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

WASHINGTON (3 - 4) at PITTSBURGH (3 - 3) - 10/28/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 89-59 ATS (+24.1 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 54-33 ATS (+17.7 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 45-22 ATS (+20.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 61-39 ATS (+18.1 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 35-16 ATS (+17.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

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

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

OAKLAND (2 - 4) at KANSAS CITY (1 - 5) - 10/28/2012, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 35-66 ATS (-37.6 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 27-62 ATS (-41.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

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

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

NY GIANTS (5 - 2) at DALLAS (3 - 3) - 10/28/2012, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games off a division game since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (2 - 4) at DENVER (3 - 3) - 10/28/2012, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
DENVER is 40-68 ATS (-34.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

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

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

Monday, October 29

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

SAN FRANCISCO (5 - 2) at ARIZONA (4 - 3) - 10/29/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing on Monday night since 1992.

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

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:08 AM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 8

Thursday, October 25, 2012

(TC) Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 8:25 ET NFL
Tampa Bay: 9-1 Over after playing a game at home
Minnesota: 1-8 ATS when the total is between 35.5 and 42

Sunday, October 28, 2012

New England at St Louis, 1:00 ET
New England: 19-7 ATS in road games off 3 or more overs
St Louis: 0-6 ATS off a home loss

Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Indianapolis: 27-13 ATS in road games after allowing 14 points or less
Tennessee: 0-6 ATS after gaining 6.5 or more yards/play last game

Jacksonville at Green Bay, 1:00 ET
Jacksonville: 3-6 ATS in non-conference games
Green Bay: 12-2 ATS off a road win

San Diego at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
San Diego: 12-1 ATS in road games after 2 games with 50 points or more
Cleveland: 3-11 ATS in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 8-1 Under after playing a game at home
Philadelphia: 18-6 ATS when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest

Seattle at Detroit, 1:00 ET
Seattle: 11-3 ATS after the first month of the season
Detroit: 40-61 ATS as a favorite

Miami at NY Jets, 1:00 ET
Miami: 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf
NY Jets: 12-25 ATS off a road loss against a division rival

Carolina at Chicago, 1:00 ET
Carolina: 23-10 ATS after scoring 14 points or less in 2 straight games
Chicago: 4-13 ATS after a game with a turnover margin of +4

Washington at Pittsburgh, 1:00 ET
Washington: 14-2 ATS in road games after gaining 175 or more rush yards
Pittsburgh: 3-11 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins

Oakland at Kansas City, 4:05 ET
Oakland: 35-66 ATS in games where the line is +3 to -3
Kansas City: 9-1 ATS off a road loss

NY Giants at Dallas, 4:25 ET
NY Giants: 8-1 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins
Dallas: 1-9 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins

New Orleans at Denver, 8:30 ET
New Orelans: 9-2 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread
Denver: 37-66 ATS after having won 2 out of their last 3

Monday, October 29, 2012

(TC) San Francisco at Arizona, 8:40 ET ESPN
San Francisco: 4-14 ATS in road games after allowing 6 points or less
Arizona: 26-11 ATS in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses

** Week 8 Byes: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston **

(TC) = Time Change

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:09 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 8

Buccaneers (2-4) @ Vikings (5-2)—Tampa Bay won last five series games, winning last two here, 24-13 in ’05, 24-20 LY, but Minnesota is lot better this year, winning all four home games by average score of 25-14 (2-1 as home fave). Bucs lost but covered both road games, 41-34 (+7.5) at Giants, 16-10 (+7.5) at Dallas; since ’09, they’re 15-9-1 as road underdogs- they’re 3-1 overall as dogs this year. Freeman threw ball for 415 yards last week (9.7 ypa). Minnesota allowed 14 or less points in four of its five wins; Arizona started four of its first six drives in Viking territory last week, but scored only seven points, then Vikes sat on lead in second half (were just 8-17/43 passing). NFC North non-divisional home favorites are 4-4 vs spread; NFC spread non-divisional road teams are 6-0 vs spread, 4-0 if underdogs. Four of last five Tampa games went over; five of last six Viking games stayed under.

Patriots (4-3) vs Rams (3-4) (@ London)—Last time Belichick/Fisher hooked up was weird ’09 game when Titans went in tank in 59-0 loss when a freak October snowstorm hit Foxboro; New England won last three series games vs Rams, first of which was SB XXXVI, when Pats’ spying tactics helped engineer upset as 12-point dogs. Rams’ three wins are vs two rookie QBs/Kolb; they couldn’t contain Rodgers when it mattered most last week, face another elite QB here. Pats have been outscored 34-6 in 4th quarter of last three games; they’re +11 in turnovers, which masks a defense that is susceptible to long pass (see end of Seattle loss). Patriots are already 0-2 vs NFC West, losing to Cards/Seahawks by total of three points; they went cross-country to Seattle two weeks ago, are crossing pond now- is that a problem? NFC West non-divisional road dogs are 5-2 vs spread; AFC East non-divisional faves are 5-4.

Colts (3-3) @ Titans (3-4)— Winner here is overachieving playoff contender; Titans have three wins by total of 7 points, winning last two games in last minute behind veteran QB Hasselbeck- they’ve converted 18 of 30 3rd down plays last two weeks, but are favored for first time this year- they’re 5-8 vs spread in last 13 games as home favorite. Colts won two of last three games, but are 0-2 vs spread in game following a win; they’re 2-0 when allowing 20 or less points, 1-3 when giving up more- they’re 0-2 on road, losing 41-21 (+9.5) at Chicago, 35-9 (+3.5) at Jets. Indy won six of last seven series games, winning six of last nine visits here, but that was with Manning at QB; they lost here LY without him, and are 3-7 as road dogs since he last played for Colts. League-wide, divisional home favorites are 6-11 vs the spread, 1-1 in AFC South. Four of last five Tennessee games went over the total.

Jaguars (1-5) @ Packers (4-3)—The tree times Jaguars got spanked this year (all at home), they were held to 10 or fewer points; Packers’ last four foes all scored 20+ points. First home game in month for Green Bay squad that won/ covered in third straight road game LW, historically about a 30% play; three of four Packer wins are by 10+ points- they’re 1-2 as home favorites, beating Saints by 1, Bears by 13, losing to 49ers. Road team is 6-0 vs spread in Jax games, with Jags 3-0 as road underdogs, losing pair of OT games and winning in last minute at Indy. Problem is, Gabbert got hurt last week, so unsure if he or Henne will be under center here. Over last 10+ years, Packers are 11-7 vs spread as double digit favorites. Home teams lost three of four series games (tied 2-2), with Jaguars winning 28-25 in only previous visit here, in ’04. AFC South non-divisional underdogs are 7-6 vs spread, 3-4 on road. Last four Green Bay games went over the total.

Chargers (3-3) @ Browns (1-6)—San Diego imploded in second half (outscored 52-7) of last two games before bye, now travels east to play opponent they’ve beaten seven of last eight meetings, winning eight of 11 games played here. Bolts won two at Oakland/KC before losing in New Orleans; they’ve covered five of last six tries as road favorites. Four of Browns’ six losses were by 7 or less points; they’re 1-2 at home, with only win this season revenge game vs Bengals, when Cleveland was +3 in turnovers. Since ’08, Browns are 8-10 as a home dog- they’re 4-10-3 vs spread in last 17 games where spread was 3 or less points. Chargers won six of last nine post-bye games (4-3 vs spread last 7 as favorite); TE Gates returns to old college stomping grounds (played hoop at Kent State). AFC West teams are 2-3 vs spread as non-divisional favorites; AFC North teams are 4-13 in non-divisional games, 3-5 as underdogs, 1-1 at home.

Falcons (6-0) @ Eagles (3-3)—Unbeaten Atlanta getting points in Ryan’s hometown, where Falcons lost last six visits (last win in ’88); Atlanta beat Iggles 35-31 LY at home, its first series win in last five tries. Home side won 10 of last 12 series games. Reid is unbeaten in regular season after bye, but Atlanta won three in row and six of last eight after bye, too. Falcons haven’t played great schedule; they’re +8 in turnovers (even in last three games) and were shaky winners over Carolina/Oakland in last two home games, but 6-0 is 6-0. Eagles have 17 turnovers (-9) in six games; they beat Giants in only game without a miscue. Philly lost last two games by total of 5 points; only one of their six games was won by more than a FG; Eagles are NFC East non-divisional favorites are 3-8 vs spread, 2-4 at home; NFC South non-divisional road teams are 6-0 vs spread. Four of last five Atlanta games stayed under the total.

Seahawks (4-3) @ Lions (2-4)— Seattle returns to site of only Super Bowl appearance with four extra days of prep; they played last Thursday, Lions played Monday. Five teams are playing rookie QB’s this year, Seattle being one; those teams are 1-7 vs spread when favored, 17-8 when underdog. Seahawks won last three series games, are 7-4 vs Lions, splitting four games played here; they’re 1-3 on road, with none of four games decided by more than six points, and all four staying under total. Underdogs are 7-0 vs spread in Seahawk games, with Hawks 5-0 as dog; their losses are by 4-6-7 points. Detroit is 0-3 as favorite this year, losing two of three SU they’re -5 in turnovers, but was +2 in only win, in OT at Philly. Lions have yet to lead at halftime this season, having led in 2nd-3rd-4th quarters for a combined total of 22 seconds all season long. NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 9-3 vs spread, 5-2 on road. NFC North home favorites are 4-4.

Dolphins (3-3) @ Jets (3-4)—Gang Green was outrushed 185-88 (mostly before Bush was hurt), but survived 23-20 OT win at Miami in first meeting in Week 3, 7th win for visitor in last 10 series games. Jets had 13-yard edge in field position that day. Miami won three of last four visits here; their last four games overall were all decided by 4 or less points, with Fish losing pair of OT games. Jets lost three of last four games, losing tough OT games last week in Foxboro; they’re 9-8 as home favorite under Ryan, 2-0 this year. Jets covered 15 of last 23 games when spread was 3 or less points; Miami is 3-5-1 in last nine such games- Dolphins lost six of last seven post-bye games, if they won last game before the bye, but covered eight of last 10 as divisional road dog; since 2008, Miami is 22-8-1 overall when a road underdog. Former Miami coach Sparano is Jets’ OC; Gang Green is 1-4 when their turnover ratio is worse than +3.

Panthers (1-5) @ Bears (5-1)—Chicago is playing great defense, allowing total of 34 points in last four games (3 TDs on last 44 drives), but this is trap game, after Monday night win over division rival. Carolina is 1-5, soph QB Newton is discouraged, but only one of their five losses was by more than 6 points, so hardly hopeless situation; Bears lead this series 4-3, winning last two meetings 23-6/34-29 (Panthers covered in last 1:00). Carolina lost three of four visits here, with only win in ’05 playoff game. Panthers are 0-2 on road, losing 16-10 (-2.5) at Tampa, 30-28 (+7) at Atlanta, best game they’ve played this year- they’re 4-3-1 as road dog under Rivera, but they’ve converted only 8 of 32 3rd down plays in last three games. Four of Bears’ five wins are by 16+ points; they already have 21 takeaways, and ridiculously good +13 turnover ratio, but since ’07, they’re just 11-16-1 vs spread as home favorites, 2-1 this year. Three of last four Carolina games stayed under the total.

Redskins (3-4) @ Steelers (3-3)—Underdogs are 6-1 vs spread in Washington games this year, 4-0 on road; Redskins are 2-2 on foreign soil, 3-0 as road underdogs, with losses by total of 7 points (@Rams/Giants). Since 2009, Skins are 15-7-1 vs spread as road dogs. None of their four losses this year are by more than seven points. Hard to believe its Halloween and this is just third home game for Pitt (beat Jets 27-10, -6/Eagles 16-14, -3.5); Steelers are 9-7 in last 16 games as home favorite, and won last four games with Redskins, last three by combined score of 63-16- they seemed to rediscover running game in second half at Cincinnati last week, running ball for 167 yards, just their second game over 75 this season. Looked like Redskins had pulled upset at Swamp last week when they scored to take 23-20 lead in last 1:30, but then defense allowed 77-yard TD pass on next play, and they had a tough loss instead. Six of seven Washington games went over total.

Raiders (2-4) @ Chiefs (1-5)—Two ancient rivals both desperate for win; Quinn (3-10 career record as starter) gets nod at QB for KC squad playing first game in front of home fans since some of them cheered after previous starting QB Cassel was injured, prompting angry reaction from a KC lineman. Chiefs are 1-5, with four losses by 16+ points, and no offensive TDs in last two games (22 drives). Raiders are 0-3 on road, allowing 31.7 ppg; both their wins are by FG at home. Home side lost 10 of last 11 series games; Raiders won six of last nine, including last five visits here, with three of five wins by exactly three points. Since 2007, Chiefs are hideous 9-17-1 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points; over last 10+ years, Raiders are terrible 16-32-2 vs spread in such games, though they were 5-1-1 LY (0-3 this year). Chiefs lost four of last five post-bye games. Four of six Oakland games went over the total.

Giants (5-2) @ Cowboys (3-3)—Home team lost five of last seven series games, with Giants winning shootouts (33-31/41-35/37-34) in last three visits here; Dallas upset world champs 24-17 (+3.5) in season opener, outrushing them 143-82, surviving 13 penalties for 86 yards. Giants covered all three games when they ran ball for 125 yards, winning by 29-14-23 points; underdogs covered those other four games, with Giants 2-2 SU in them. Dallas has to make them one-dimensional, because they can’t outscore Eli’s offense, having scored 19 or fewer points in four of last five games (8 TDs on last 51 drives). You’re reading ***************.com. Cowboys held five of six foes to 112 or less rushing yards, but in two home games, Cowboys have run ball total of 37 times for only 79 yards. Dallas is 5-12-1 vs spread in last 18 games where spread was 3 or less points; Giants are 5-1-1 in their last seven. Cowboys’ coaches just seem out of sync, with stuff as simple as subbing players in and out.

Saints (2-4) @ Broncos (3-3)—Peyton Manning vs his dad’s old team, in Joe Vitt’s first game back as interim coach; keep in mind Saints blasted Peyton-less Colts 62-7 LY; this is first time Peyton plays against Saints since he lost Super Bowl to them three years ago, so lot of subplots. Fox won four in row, six of last seven post-bye games; Broncos themselves covered 17 of last 21 post-bye tilts. If Bucs passed for 415 yards vs Saint defense last week, what will Manning put in thin air? Denver scored 31-37-35 points in its wins, 21-25-21 in losses; Saints are allowing average of 30.3 ppg, with five of their six games going over total. That said, NO won last two games after 0-2 start, scoring 31-35 points (8 TDs on 21 drives); average total in its three road games is an even 60. Only teams to beat Denver are 6-1 Texans/6-0 Falcons/4-3 Patriots. Broncos are 2-0 as home favorite this year, after going 5-24-2 as home favorite from 2006-11.

49ers (5-2) @ Cardinals (4-3)—Arizona lost last three games after 4-0 start, scoring 11 ppg during skid (3 TD’s on 38 drives); they’ve lost five of last six games vs 49ers, three of last five here. 49ers are +2 in turnovers after being +28 LY; they’ve run ball for average of 176.3 yards game, part of why they’ve had field position edge in five of seven games, but they have allowed 135+ rushing yards three of last five week. Redbirds are getting poor QB play from banged-up duo; they started four of six first half drives in Minnesota territory last week, scored only 7 points, which is why they lost a game where they had 14-yard edge in field position- that does not happen much. Divisional home underdogs are 6-6 vs spread this year, but 3-0 in NFC West. Six of seven Cardinal games, five of last six 49er games stayed under the total. This is like a mini-bye for 49ers, who haven’t played in 11 days and are 15-6 vs spread in game before their last 21 real byes.

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:10 AM

NFL

Week 8

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

Thursday, October 25

8:20 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay

Sunday, October 28

1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE vs. GREEN BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Jacksonville's last 5 games on the road
Jacksonville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Green Bay is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Green Bay is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home

1:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 8-14-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games at home

1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS vs. TENNESSEE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indianapolis's last 7 games when playing Tennessee
Indianapolis is 5-18 SU in its last 23 games
Tennessee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tennessee is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing Atlanta

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. NY JETS
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Miami's last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Miami's last 21 games
NY Jets are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against Miami
NY Jets are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games at home

1:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Chicago is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

1:00 PM
NEW ENGLAND vs. ST. LOUIS
New England is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games

1:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Washington
Pittsburgh is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CLEVELAND
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
Cleveland is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games

4:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Oakland is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

4:15 PM
NY GIANTS vs. DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Giants last 5 games on the road
NY Giants are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Dallas is 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games when playing NY Giants
Dallas is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games

8:20 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. DENVER
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans

Monday, October 29

8:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:10 AM

NFL

Week 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night Football: Buccaneers at Vikings
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (-6.5, 42.5)

The Minnesota Vikings remain one of the league's biggest early surprises, but they had to survive an inept performance on offense to continue their drive for an NFC North crown. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meanwhile, had nothing to show for their best offensive output of the season. Minnesota will look to double last season's win total when they host the Buccaneers on Thursday night.

The Vikings remained perfect at home with an ugly 21-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday while the Buccaneers blew a 14-point lead against the New Orleans Saints to absorb their fourth loss in the last five games. Tampa Bay won at Minnesota in Week 2 last season before unraveling and finishing the season on a 10-game losing streak.

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

LINE: The Vikings opened as big as touchdown favorites but have been bet down to -6.5. The total has also moved from 41.5 to 42.5.

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2-4 SU, 4-2 ATS): Tampa Bay rolled up a season-best 513 yards of total offense and Josh Freeman threw for a career-high 420 yards, but the Bucs were unable to hold off Drew Brees and the Saints after building a 21-7 lead. Vincent Jackson hauled in seven catches for 216 yards and one of Freeman's three TD passes, but Tampa Bay failed to scored on a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line and had two apparent tying touchdowns in the final five seconds negated by a penalty and a receiver landing out of bounds. Rookie running back Doug Martin had his highest output since the season opener with 85 yards and a TD on 16 carries.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (5-2 SU, 3-3-1 ATS): Minnesota's second-half performance against Arizona was an eyesore, but the one positive was the re-emergence of star running back Adrian Peterson. He powered his way to a season-high 153 yards on 23 carries and scored his first touchdown since Week 1. The passing game was another story, particularly in the second half. Christian Ponder threw for only 58 yards - four in the second half - with one TD and two interceptions. Minnesota managed only 12 first downs and 209 total yards, punting on its first five possessions of the second half and going three-and-out four straight times. DE Jared Allen had two of the Vikings' seven sacks.

TRENDS:

* Buccaneers are 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Home team is 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings.
* Buccaneers are 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 road games.
* Vikings are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Buccaneers have won the last five meetings between the teams.

2. Peterson is tied with Robert Smith (29) for the most 100-yard games in franchise history.

3. Buccaneers S Ronde Barber had his third interception of the season and 46th of his career last week

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2012, 09:11 AM

NFL

Week 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tale of the tape: Buccaneers at Vikings
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bucs roll into Minnesota for what promises to be a physical affair against the Vikings in this week's installment of Thursday Night Football. Take a look at how this matchup breaks down in all three facets of the game with our tale of the tape:

Offense

The Bucs offense has exploded over the last two weeks, putting up a combined 66 points against the Chiefs and Saints. Of course, both of those performances came at home and at the expense of two struggling defenses. They'll face a much stiffer test on the road against a stout Vikings defense Thursday night. Bucs QB Josh Freeman has thrown six touchdown passes over the last two games while rookie RB Doug Martin found the end zone for only the second time this season against New Orleans last week. Offseason acquisition Vincent Jackson has been the star of the offense, hauling in four touchdown catches over the last three weeks.

Minnesota's offense relied heavily on RB Adrian Peterson last Sunday, as QB Christian Ponder was only able to complete 47 percent of his passes for a miserable 58 yards. The sophomore pivot has now thrown exactly two interceptions in three consecutive games. To make matters worse, he's nursing a sore knee heading into this contest. But can an already conservative offense really be scaled back all that much? It won't be a surprise if Peterson remains the focal point of the offense Thursday, as the issues in the Vikes’ passing game aren't likely to be fixed in a short week.

Edge: Tampa Bay

Defense

Tampa Bay has alternated good and bad performances on the defensive side of the football this season. So, after giving up 35 points in a losing effort last Sunday, one would assume it would bring its “A” game Thursday night. The Bucs are giving up an ugly 6.3 yards per play on the season and have really struggled against the pass, allowing nearly 13 yards per completion. Corner Aqib Talib's suspension has left a gaping hole in the secondary and his absence was certainly felt last Sunday, as the Bucs were ripped for 377 yards and four touchdowns against Drew Brees and the Saints. They'll need their pass rush to relieve the pressure on the secondary this week.

The strength of the Vikings defense remains up front, as they come into this game averaging over three sacks per contest. Their explosive pass rush has helped limit opposing offenses to a weak 5.9 yards per pass attempt. Last Sunday, the Vikes forced a pair of key turnovers against the Cardinals, including an interception they took to the house - ultimately proving to be the difference in the 21-14 victory. They're giving up just a shade over 14 points per game at the Metrodome, where they're a perfect 3-0 SU on the season.

Edge: Minnesota

Special teams

Tampa Bay's return game has struggled for the most part, averaging only 6.5 yards per punt return and 20.1 yards on kickoffs. Without a proven return man (Arrelious Benn and Roscoe Parrish have been sharing the duties), that shouldn't come as a surprise. The Bucs have been terrific at holding opposing returners in check, giving up just slightly north of 21 yards per kickoff return, but will face a big challenge in the form of the electric Percy Harvin Thursday. Tampa Bay kicker Connor Barth has been steady since entering the league and has made good on 10 of his 12 field goal attempts so far this season.

The Vikings are a load to handle on special teams with speedsters Percy Harvin and Marcus Sherels capable of taking it to the house every time they touch the football. They're currently gaining well above the league average at 12.3 yards per punt return and 29.9 yards per kickoff return. On the flip side, they've had a tough time defending kickoffs in particular, allowing 31.7 yards per return. Rookie kicker Blair Walsh has been terrific for the Vikes, converting 16 of 17 field goal attempts. They also boast a quality, veteran punter in Chris Kluwe.

Edge: Minnesota

Word on the street

"Again, we're sitting here, what are we, 2-4 now? And we're saying this old song and dance. That's the way it is. Until we get it changed, until we find a way to change it, close but no cigar." - Bucs head coach Greg Schiano on the frustration of dropping another close game against the Saints last Sunday.

"That's what we want to pride ourselves on, being the toughest team, the most physical team. We were able to come out today and do that, we just have to keep doing that going forward." - Vikings DE Brian Robison speaking about the seven sacks they recorded against the Cardinals last Sunday.

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

**Udog** · 10-26-2012, 08:43 AM

NFL mid-week line moves: Brits remember Pats' dominance

Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers

Consensus open: Packers -16
Move: None

We’re right back where we started from, for the most part. A few outliers had the line pretty thin at opening (12.5 at betonline.ag), but now everyone is pretty much on board at 15.5 or 16.

“It’s not unusual to see books shave a few points off on lines 14 or above,” notes Teddy, who himself figured the line for 18.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Consensus open: Cowboys -1.5
Move: Giants -2

At bet365.com, heavy New York money has flipped the numbers.

“Dallas,” says Black, “is being swerved bi time. Amazing how things have changed for these teams since Week 1 (Cowboys got 3.5 and won outright.)”

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos

Consensus open: Broncos -5.5
Move: Broncos -6

“Denver has taken in some money,” says Teddy, “but nothing massive. Wouldn’t be shocked to see a move toward New Orleans as we get closer to kickoff.”

New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (London)

Consensus open: Patriots -6.5
Move: Patriots -7

Black reports heavy interest among British bettors in this game. The Patriots made the trip over the ocean a few years ago and crushed Tampa Bay, so bettors on the island may remember that and the number was driven up that important extra half-point.

**Udog** · 10-26-2012, 09:37 PM

NFL poolies betting cheat sheet: Week 8

Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers (-14.5, 45.5)

Both the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars will be without a key player when they meet at Lambeau Field. Green Bay will be without S Charles Woodson. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year suffered a broken left clavicle in last week's 30-20 triumph at St. Louis and is expected to miss at least six weeks. The Jaguars, who have lost three in a row, will not have Maurice Jones-Drew in the lineup after the running back sprained his left foot on the first play of last Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss at Oakland and is out indefinitely. The Jaguars are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-1, 40.5)

The Dolphins suffered an overtime loss at home to the Jets last month after carrying a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter and missed a pair of field goals, including the game-winner in the extra session. Miami's last four games have all been decided by four points or fewer, including wins at Cincinnati (17-13) and against St. Louis (17-14) entering its bye. The Jets have been hit-or-miss at home, scoring one offensive TD in back-to-back losses to San Francisco and Houston while rolling up a combined 83 points in wins over Buffalo and Indianapolis. The Dolphins have played under the total in their last seven October games.

San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns (3, 44)

The Chargers were accused of using Stickum - a banned substance - during their 35-24 loss to Denver on Oct. 15 and continue to be investigated by the NFL. San Diego also had extra time to think about how they blew a 24-0 halftime lead against the Broncos. Browns RB Trent Richardson had eight yards on eight carries last week against the Colts before being benched at halftime as he tried to play with a rib cartilage injury. Richardson said he intends to be ready for Sunday. The under is 7-1 in Cleveland’s last eight home games.

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (-3.5, 47)

The Titans have been a sieve on defense, allowing a league-worst 238 points, but they eked out a 35-34 victory over the Buffalo Bills last week on Matt Hasselbeck's fourth-down touchdown pass with 63 seconds to play. Chris Johnson broke out of his season-long funk, rushing for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Buffalo. Johnson had been held to 24 yards or fewer in four of the team's first five games. The Colts have won six of the last seven meetings with Tennessee, but all but one of those victories came with Peyton Manning under center. The Colts are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a win.

New England Patriots at St. Louis Rams (7, 47)

The Rams lost a little zip in their offensive attack when receiver Danny Amendola went down with a collarbone injury in Week 5. Since then, QB Sam Bradford has just one TD pass and the Rams have lost two straight. Four teams have logged season highs in yards gained against New England, which has allowed an average of 338 yards through the air in its last five games. Remember, this game is being played at Wembley Stadium in London, England taking away home advantage for either team. The underdog is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 44.5)

The Philadelphia Eagles had the bye week to get acquainted with a new defensive coordinator. Todd Bowles’ first test comes when the Eagles host the last unbeaten team in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Andy Reid is 13-0 after a bye week, the longest winning streak since bye weeks were introduced. But this time he has had to oversee a change on the defensive side of the ball after firing Juan Castillo and promoting Bowles from the secondary.

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (-9, 43)

Chicago tops the NFL with a plus-13 turnover margin and has allowed a league-best 13 points per game, which doesn't bode well for Carolina and second-year QB Cam Newton. The Panthers have lost four straight and have been plagued by turnovers all season - their minus-6 turnover margin ranks 26th in the league. The bad news keeps coming for Carolina, which placed CB Chris Gamble (torn labrum) and LB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) on injured reserve this week. The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last five October games.

Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions (-1, 43)

The Seahawks pulled off an upset of the New England Patriots in Week 6 but fell flat at San Francisco last Sunday, scoring a season-low six points. Quarterback Russell Wilson has two touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 58.9 completion percentage in four road games this season. Detroit turned the ball over three times in the red zone in Monday’s 13-7 loss at Chicago and did not find the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. The Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

Washington Redskins at Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5, 47)

Pittsburgh, which is coming off its first road win, has won eight straight inter-conference games and Ben Roethlisberger is 14-1 at home against NFC opponents. And rookie QBs are 1-14 against Dick LeBeau’s intricate zone-blitz schemes since the 75-year-old returned to Pittsburgh in 2004. Redskins TE Fred Davis, who leads the team with 24 receptions, tore his Achilles' tendon in last week’s loss to the Giants. The Redskins filled the void Monday by re-signing eight-year veteran TE Chris Cooley, who was released in the offseason. The teams have played under the total in their last four meetings.

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (-1, 42.5)

Brady Quinn will make his second straight start at QB - and first since coach Romeo Crennel appointed him the primary option for the foreseeable future – when the Chiefs seek to end a three-game losing streak against the visiting Oakland Raiders. The Raiders, 0-3 on the road this season, overcame three turnovers and a 20-6 deficit to beat Jacksonville last week. Oakland is 31st in the league in rushing (76.8 ypg) despite having one of the most electrifying tailbacks in the league in Darren McFadden. Run DMC is only averaging 2.6 yards per carry over the last three games. The teams have played under the total in 12 of their last 14 meetings.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (1, 47.5)

Eli Manning pulled off his 24th career fourth-quarter comeback in a win over Washington last Sunday but will be taking on a Cowboys secondary that is the strength of the defense. Dallas knocked off New York in the season opener, 24-17, but may without starting RB DeMarco Murray, who has missed practice this week with a sprained foot. Felix Jones will start if Murray can't suit up. Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar could also see carries for the Cowboys. Dallas is 0-5 ATS in its last five home games.

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos (-6, 55.5)

The Saints have won two straight after an 0-4 start and welcome back interim coach Joe Vitt, who finished serving a suspension for his role in Bountygate. The Broncos enjoyed their bye week following a 35-24 comeback victory at San Diego on Oct. 15 and will try to take advantage of the Saints' NFL-worst defense which has allowed 2,793 yards through six games, the most in NFL history since at least 1950. Denver CB Tracy Porter, who played four seasons in New Orleans (2008-11), missed the San Diego game after experiencing light-headedness and a rapid heartbeat - symptoms he felt prior to a seizure in August - but could be cleared to play Sunday. The over is 10-1 in the Saints’ last 11 games overall.

**Udog** · 10-28-2012, 07:58 AM

NFL

Week 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Falcons at Eagles: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 43.5)

The Philadelphia Eagles had the bye week to get acquainted with a new defensive coordinator. Todd Bowles’ first test comes on Sunday afternoon, when the Eagles host the last unbeaten team in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons. Philadelphia’s defense has not gotten much help from the offense and quarterback Michael Vick, who has committed 13 turnovers through the first six games and has had to fight off calls for his removal from the starting lineup. The Falcons rank fourth in the NFL with 17 takeaways and are strong against the pass. Quarterback Matt Ryan had a rough start before the bye against Oakland but is completing nearly 68 percent of his passes while guiding the sixth-ranked scoring offense in the NFL.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE: Eagles -3, O/U: 43.5.

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-50s and a 95 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the north at 15 mph.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (3-3): Head coach Andy Reid is 13-0 after a bye week, the longest winning streak since bye weeks were introduced. But this time he has had to oversee a change on the defensive side of the ball after firing Juan Castillo and promoting Bowles from the secondary. The breakdowns on defense through the first six games were usually of the crushing variety, as Philadelphia squandered fourth-quarter leads in each of its last two setbacks. Castillo’s dismissal has helped deflect attention away from the offense during the bye. The Eagles rank 30th in the NFL in scoring offense despite sitting in the middle of the pack in yardage. Turnovers are the difference. Philadelphia’s minus-9 differential is at the bottom of the pack. Vick has been a big part of that and will be facing Atlanta for the third time since being released by the team following his arrest on dogfighting charges. The former face of the Falcons was knocked out with a concussion in the third quarter of last season’s meeting, a 35-31 loss on Sept. 18.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (6-0): Atlanta has benefited from a forgiving schedule and has had to eke out victories at home over Denver, Carolina and Oakland. Ryan threw all six of his interceptions in the three games before the bye but has done enough late in games to keep his team perfect in the win column. Ryan’s complement of targets will be a difficult test for Bowles and the Philadelphia secondary. Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White and Julio Jones each have four touchdown catches. The Falcons’ weak spot is one the Eagles have the capability to exploit - rushing defense. Atlanta has surrendered an average of 143.8 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground and will likely again be without tackle Corey Peters, who was removed from the reserve/non-football injury list but has not been activated.

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 1-5 ATS in their last six games in Philadelphia.
* Over is 4-1-1 in Eagles’ last six home games.
* Under is 4-1 in Falcons’ last five games overall.
* Eagles are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games overall.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. With a victory on Sunday, Atlanta coach Mike Smith would pass Dan Reeves (49) for the most wins in team history.

2. The Falcons overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter of last season’s meeting as Ryan threw four TD passes.

3. Eagles RB LeSean McCoy has one TD. He led the NFL with 17 rushing scores in 2011

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

**Udog** · 10-28-2012, 08:00 AM

NFL

Week 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Giants at Cowboys: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (1, 48)

The Dallas Cowboys seemed to make a statement with a season-opening win over the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Since then, it has been the Giants making the statements on the field. New York enters the rematch in first place in the NFC East and riding a three-game winning streak. Eli Manning pulled off his 24th career fourth-quarter comeback in a win over the Washington Redskins last Sunday but will be taking on a Cowboys secondary that is the strength of the defense.

That unit is coming off a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers but could be under more strain with linebacker Sean Lee’s absence weakening the front seven. Lee, the team’s leading tackler, was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his toe. Dallas will be trying to beat the Giants at home for the first time since opening its new stadium.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE: Giants -1, O/U 48

ABOUT THE GIANTS (5-2): New York has taken three straight at Cowboys Stadium and Manning is 5-2 in his last seven starts against the Cowboys. But one of those two setbacks came in the season opener, when the Giants were held to 269 total yards and the defense was burned for a pair of long touchdown passes by Tony Romo. Manning tried for some fourth-quarter magic and managed to cut it to 24-17 with a touchdown pass but could not get the ball back in the final 2:36. That would have been plenty of time for the Super Bowl MVP, who needed only two plays to hit Victor Cruz with the 77-yard game-winning touchdown last weekend. Manning threw for 400 yards at Dallas in 2011, leading a pair of touchdown drives in the final 3:41 to pull out the 37-34 triumph. The New York defense had some trouble with Robert Griffin III last Sunday and has struggled to keep Romo in the pocket in the past.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (3-3): A win on Sunday would clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker in Dallas’ favor and give the team a much-needed momentum boost with back-to-back road games at Atlanta and Philadelphia looming over the next two weeks. If the Cowboys survive this stretch, they will have five of the final seven games at home to pad their playoff resume. The thought of a playoff berth was far from reality in Weeks 4 and 6, when Dallas sandwiched its bye week by allowing a combined 65 points to the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys managed to tighten things up and get back to .500 against Cam Newton and the Panthers last Sunday, forcing a pair of turnovers and relying on Dan Bailey’s leg to win it. The loss of Lee could be crushing for the defense, which will shift Dan Connor into the starting lineup. Dallas could also be without starting running back DeMarco Murray, who has missed practice this week with a sprained foot.

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Under is 7-1 in Cowboys’ last eight vs. NFC opponents.
* Under is 5-0 in Giants’ last five road games.
* Cowboys are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Manning needs three touchdown passes to break Phil Simms’ franchise record of 199.

2. Felix Jones will start in place of Murray. Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar could also see carries for the Cowboys.

3. Romo has posted a passer rating over 100 in each of his last five games against New York.

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

**Udog** · 10-28-2012, 08:02 AM

NFL

Week 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Night Football: Saints at Broncos
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos (-6, 54.5)

There will be more footballs than oxygen in the thin air of Denver when the Broncos host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. New Orleans, led by quarterback Drew Brees, has the No. 1 passing offense in the NFL, while Denver and Peyton Manning are fourth. The Saints have won two straight after an 0-4 start and welcome back interim coach Joe Vitt, who finished serving a suspension for his role in Bountygate. The Broncos enjoyed their bye week following a 35-24 comeback victory at San Diego on Oct. 15 and will try to take advantage of the Saints' NFL-worst defense which has allowed 2,793 yards through six games, the most in NFL history since at least 1950.

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC.

LINE: Broncos -6, O/U 54.5

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-40s under partly cloudy skies. Winds will be light out of the west.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (2-4): Brees threw four touchdown passes in New Orleans' 35-28 victory at Tampa Bay last week. The Saints are trying to become the second team since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to reach the playoffs after starting 0-4, but they'll have to become more balanced on offense. New Orleans is last in the league at 76.2 rushing yards per game. Remarkably, though, its one-dimensional attack hasn't led to Brees getting pummeled by opposing defenses. He has been sacked 12 times, tied for the eighth-lowest total in the NFL. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who is appealing his Bountygate suspension, played his first game last week after recovering from a knee injury and broke up a pass and had a knockdown.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (3-3): Manning, who has 14 touchdowns and four interceptions - three in the first quarter against Atlanta - has a passer rating of 105.0, well above his 95.2 career number. While Manning is the key to Denver making the playoffs, the secondary will likely determine whether the Broncos win Sunday. While 11-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey continues to play at the highest level, he will need plenty of help to slow down Brees and Co. Cornerback Tracy Porter, though, missed the San Diego game after experiencing light-headedness and a rapid heartbeat - symptoms he also felt prior to a seizure in August. Porter, who played four seasons with New Orleans (2008-11), has yet to receive clearance to play Sunday.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in Saints’ last five road games.
* Over is 10-1 in Saints’ last 11 games overall.
* Broncos are 0-5 ATS in their last five Week 8 games.
* Saints are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a win.
* Over is 4-1 in Broncos’ last five games following a win.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Brees and Manning last met in Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7, 2010, when New Orleans defeated Indianapolis 31-17.

2. Aaron Kromer, who served as Saints interim coach with Vitt gone and suspended coach Sean Peyton sitting out the season, returns to his role as offensive line coach.

3. Denver leads the series 7-2 and has won three straight, including a 34-32 victory in the last meeting in 2008 when Brees was 39-of-48 for 421 yards and a touchdown.

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

**Udog** · 10-28-2012, 08:34 AM

NFL weather watch: Wet and windy on the East Coast

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-1, 38.5)

Site: MetLife Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s with a 70 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out of the north at 14 mph.

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (-7.5, 42.5)

Site: Soldier Field

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-40s with a 30 percent chance of rain. Winds will be strong out of the north at 20 mph.

San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns (4, 43.5)

Site: Cleveland Browns Stadium

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-40s with a 95 percent chance of showers. Winds will blow out of the north at 20 mph.

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 42.5)

Site: Lincoln Financial Field

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s with a 100 percent of rain. Winds will blow out of the north at 14 mph.

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 8 (Thursday, October 25 - Monday, October 29)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 8 (Thursday, October 25 - Monday, October 29)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment