The Bum's October NFL POD'S + Trends + Stats & News !

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, October 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New England - 1:00 PM ET Cincinnati +1 500 POD # 3
Cincinnati - Under 45.5 500

Detroit - 1:00 PM ET Green Bay -10 500 POD # 2
Green Bay - Under 53 500 POD # 6

Seattle - 1:00 PM ET Indianapolis +3 500 POD # 4
Indianapolis - Under 43.5 500

Baltimore - 1:00 PM ET Miami -2.5 500
Miami - Over 43 500

New Orleans - 1:00 PM ET Chicago +1 500
Chicago - Over 50.5 500

Philadelphia - 1:00 PM ET N.Y. Giants -1 500
N.Y. Giants - Over 53.5 500 POD # 5

Kansas City - 1:00 PM ET Tennessee +2.5 500 POD # 1
Tennessee - Under 37.5 500

Jacksonville - 1:00 PM ET Jacksonville +11 500
St. Louis - Under 40.5 500

[Udog]

How goes Kapt??

Did you love that DOUBLE POD yesterday DOG??

I sure did Bum! I played it for twice as much as I usually play on a #1 pod, too, just like you called it! THANK YOU!!!!!

[StarDust Bum]

Late Afternoon Games:

Carolina - 4:05 PM ET Carolina -3 500 POD # 4

Arizona - Over 41.5 500 POD # 3



Denver - 4:25 PM ET Dallas +7.5 500 POD # 1

Dallas - Under 55.5 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Late Sunday Night POD'S:


Sunday, October 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Houston - 8:30 PM ET Houston +5 500 POD # 4


San Francisco - Under 43 500 POD # 1




San Diego - 11:35 PM ET San Diego -4.5 500 POD # 2


Oakland - Over 46 500 POD # 3

[StarDust Bum]

MNF - Jets at Falcons

October 6, 2013

The Falcons have been a tough team to figure out through four games, as the defending NFC South champions need a win on Monday night to get on the playoff track. The Jets play their second straight road contest after getting blown out at Tennessee last week, but New York owns the better record heading into this matchup at the Georgia Dome.

Following New Orleans' victory at Chicago on Sunday, the Falcons are in danger of falling four games behind the Saints in the NFC South with a loss on Monday. Atlanta is listed as a double-digit favorite after getting tripped up by New England last Sunday night, 30-23. After a field goal to take a 3-0 advantage, the Falcons never led again, while falling behind by as many as 14 points as Mike Smith's team failed to cash as three-point favorites. Matt Ryan threw for 421 yards, but the Atlanta running game did very little by accumulating 58 yards.

The Jets have turned into a surprise for bettors by covering three of four games so far, while splitting their first four contests straight-up. New York can pull into second-place tie in the AFC East with Miami if the Jets can grab a road win tonight, but Rex Ryan's club has lost each of their first two away contests. The Jets cashed as 11-point underdogs at New England in Week 2, but New York was rolled at Tennessee last Sunday, 38-13 as 4 ½-point underdogs. New York fell behind, 24-6 at halftime, while turning the ball over four times.

Under Smith, the Falcons own a solid 6-1 SU/ATS record off a home loss dating back to 2008, as Atlanta fell into this situation just once last season. The Falcons dropped the regular season finale to Tampa Bay, then held off Seattle in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, 30-28, but failed to cash as 2 ½-point favorites. In the last five seasons, the Falcons have suffered through just one three-game ATS skid (in 2011), while posting a 4-1-1 ATS mark off consecutive ATS losses in this stretch.

The last time these teams hooked up was a real barnburner at Met Life Stadium, as Atlanta held off New York, 10-7 to cash outright as six-point road underdogs in 2009. The Falcons won that contest in December in spite of being out of the playoff race, but that victory spurred a three-game winning streak to end that campaign at 9-7. The loss didn't affect the Jets, who eventually fell to the Colts in the AFC Championship.

The Jets have never won at Georgia Dome in three visits since 1992, which includes a 27-14 defeat to the Falcons in 2005. That game took place on a Monday night coincidentally, as Atlanta cruised to victory as eight-point favorites, while the game barely cashed the 'over' of 40.

The Falcons started the 2012 season by hitting the 'under' in seven of eight home games. However, Atlanta sailed 'over' the total in its two home playoff contests against Seattle and San Francisco, while drilling the 'over' in the first two games at the Georgia Dome this season against St. Louis and New England. The loss to the Patriots last week snapped an eight-game home winning streak against AFC foes since 2009.

In Ryan's tenure, the Jets are just 2-5 SU and 3-4 ATS in Monday night action, including losses last season to the Texans and Titans. However, New York has been profitable as an underdog of at least nine points by putting up an 8-2 ATS record since 2007.

Atlanta is a losing proposition when laying at least nine points under Smith by posting a 4-5 ATS record. The Falcons failed to cover as heavy favorites in home wins last season against the Raiders and Cardinals, but won each of these games straight-up. Surprisingly, this is only the third Monday night game at the Georgia Dome since 2008, as the Falcons lost to the Saints in 2010, while holding off the Broncos last season in Week 2.

The Falcons are listed as 9 ½-point home favorites, while several books have posted Atlanta as 10-point 'chalk.' The total is set at 44, as the game can be seen nationally on ESPN.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Most popular, least popular picks in the LVH Super Contest, where 1,034 contestants pick five games each week of the NFL season........they paid $1,500 each to be in this contest, by the way.

Most popular (7-23-1 vs spread)

1) Patriots 330--L
2) Colts 323--W
3) Broncos 305--L
4) Chiefs 298--W
5) Texans 285--L
6) Panthers 259--L

Least popular (14-9-1)

32) Rams 52--W
29) Jets 65--
28) Giants 90--L
27) Dolphins 99--L
26) 49ers 106--W
25) Seattle 126--L


*****

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Sunday.......

13) Eagles 36, Giants 21-- Vick tweaked his hammy, Foles was 16-25/197 in relief, as Philly moved to 2-0 in divisional games, 0-3 in other games. Giants are 0-5, giving up an average of 36.4 ppg, are already -13 in turnovers. They go to Chicago this coming week for the Thursday night game.

12) Chiefs 26, Titans 17-- KC blew a 13-0 halftime lead, were just 1-12 on third down, but scored last three times they had ball; as Alex Smith becomes first Chief QB since Mike Livingston in 1969 to win his first five starts as a Chief. 5-0 Kansas City is +10 in turnovers through five games.

11) Ravens 26, Dolphins 23-- Miami had only 10 first downs and 22 rushing yards as they lost for second time in six days after a 0-3 start. Ravens ran ball for 133 yards after having only 24 last week in Buffalo. Miami tried a 57-yard field goal on the last play of the game, but it was wide left.

10) Rams 34, Jaguars 20-- Jax traded LT Monroe to Baltimore so they could move rookie Luke Joeckel there, but he got hurt in first half and is out for the year. Jaguars looked little better on offense with WR Blackmon back, but this is a bad team. They should trade Maurice Jones-Drew for draft picks, too.

9) Bengals 13, Patriots 6-- Pats were 1-12 on third down, didn't score a TD on a rainy day in Queen City- they also didn't commit one penalty. Bengals ran ball for 162 yards, held Brady to 4.0 yards per attempt- his streak of 52 games with at least one TD pass comes to an end.

8) Colts 34, Seahawks 28-- Seattle led 12-0 early, thanks in part to a safety on a blocked punt, but Indy scored a TD on a blocked FG, Andrew Luck was tremendous on third down, converting 7-12 and TY Hilton caught five balls for 140 yards. If Luck would stop throwing to Darrius Heyward-Bey, he'd be even better; he targeted Heyward-Bey six times but none were completed.

7) Baseball....... Alvarez, Martin had RBI hits in 8th inning as Pirates took a 2-1 series lead with a 5-3 win over St Louis.........Dodgers scored 10 runs in first four innings and crushed the Braves 13-6.

Somehow, Atlanta is sending Freddy Garcia out to start Game 4-- he turned 37 Sunday and started only three games for the Braves this season.

6) Packers 22, Lions 9-- Calvin Johnson was a late scratch for Detroit, and it showed; Detroit was outgained 449-286, Packers won easily despite scoring only one TD. This was only second NFL game this year with no turnovers; first one ended 52-20, so offenses here struggled on a sunny day.

5) Saints 26, Bears 18-- New Orleans has one TD, five FG in seven red zone drives in their two road games (seven TDs, four FGs at home). Bears' Jeffrey caught 10 balls for 218 yards, but Chicago had a 15-yard deficit in its average starting field position, and thats hard to overcome.

4) Cardinals 22, Panthers 6-- I'm beating a dead horse, but Cam Newton is a great talent, NFL teams are worth almost a billion dollars each, and Carolina has Mike Shula as its offensive coordinator, after they stupidly let John Fox walk as head coach. Give Newton a real offensive mind to work with!!!!

3) Broncos 51, Cowboys 48-- Amazing shootout with 1,039 total yards in it; Dallas scored a TD on its first four second half drives, but an INT on the last one proved to be the difference. Teams combine to convert 13-19 3rd down plays. Last time an NFL team lost scoring 48+ points was 2004, when the Browns lost 58-48 to Cincinnati.

2) 49ers 34, Texans 3-- Schaub threw a pick-6 for 4th game in row; Houston looked like a dispirited team by game's end. Kaepernick was just 6-15 for the night passing, hitting one long TD pass to Davis that broke game open, but Harbaugh has to be little concerned with Niners' lack of depth at WR.

1) Raiders 27, Chargers 17-- Pryor looked good throwing the ball, but they need to work on playing with a lead. Charles Woodson scored his 13th TD on defense and picked off his 56th career pass. If you're an Oakland fan, you're optimistic going forward with Pryor ar your QB.

[StarDust Bum]

2013 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE


Week Matchup Line/Total Score ATS

1 Philadelphia at Washington -4, 52 33-27 Underdog-Over

1 Houston at San Diego -5, 44 31-28 Underdog-Over

2 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati -7, 40 20-10 Favorite-Under

3 Oakland at Denver -16, 48.5 37-21 Push-Over

4 Miami at New Orleans -7, 50 38-17 Favorite-Over

5 N.Y. Jets at Atlanta - - -

6 Indianapolis at San Diego - - -

7 Minnesota at N.Y. Giants - - -

8 Seattle at St. Louis - - -

9 Chicago at Green Bay - - -

10 Miami at Tampa Bay - - -

11 New England at Carolina - - -

12 San Francisco at Washington - - -

13 New Orleans at Seattle - - -

14 Dallas at Chicago - - -

15 Baltimore at Detroit - - -

16 Atlanta at San Francisco - - -

[StarDust Bum]

Jets look for MNF Upset

October 7, 2013


NEW YORK JETS (2-2) at ATLANTA FALCONS (1-3)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Atlanta -10.5 & 45
Opening Line & Total: Falcons -7.5 & 45

The Falcons look to get back on track when the Jets come to town on Monday night.

Atlanta was unable to beat the Patriots Sunday night, losing 30-23 and falling to 1-3 on the year. The Jets also came away empty-handed in Week 4, as they were destroyed on the road against the Titans, 38-13. Since 1995, the Falcons are 3-1 (SU and ATS) against the Jets producing double-digit wins in each home meeting. The last matchup between these teams was a 10-7 win-and-cover in favor of the Falcons in December 2009 in New Jersey. Both teams are staring at negative trends for this game.

Over the past two seasons, the Jets are 0-8 ATS off of 1 or more overs in a row, and are also 31-55 ATS (36%) off of a road loss since 1992. Atlanta, however, is 15-31 ATS (33%) in home games after playing a game at home since 1992 and is 3-17 ATS (15%) after gaining 375 or more total yards in two consecutive games during that span. The Jets are going to be without top WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring), while No. 2 WR Stephen Hill is doubtful with a concussion suffered last week. The Falcons must continue to run without their star RB Steven Jackson, who is out for another two weeks with a hamstring injury.

The Jets are now 2-2 SU (3-1 ATS) after suffering a beatdown against the Titans in which Jake Locker threw all over their defense before going down with a hip injury. New York rookie QB Geno Smith followed up his best performance of the year with a subpar outing, as he went 23-of-34 for 289 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. In his two road games, Smith has thrown 1 TD and 5 INT. Smith also lost two fumbles in the game, including a truly bone-headed one where he tried to put the ball behind his own back to avoid a pass rusher. RB Bilal Powell played well in the game for New York, rushing for 66 yards on 14 carries while also catching three passes for 42 yards. After gaining just 3.1 YPC in his first two games, Powell has averaged a stellar 5.2 YPC over his past two contests. TE Kellen Winslow was the Jets’ leader in the receiving game with six catches for 73 yards, and he will likely be Smith's top target again with the injuries to WRs Santonio Holmes and.

New York’s defense struggled to stop the Titans, but the offense didn’t help them by giving the Titans good field position all game. The Jets D has really played well all season, leading the NFL with 14 first downs per game allowed and placing second in the league in total defense (283 total YPG, 4.3 yards per play allowed) and yards per carry (3.0 YPC). But it all starts with Smith having to play mistake-free football if the Jets are to have a chance to keep this game close against the Falcons.

Atlanta nearly pulled out an amazing win on Sunday night, trailing 30-13 with less than five minutes to play and giving itself a chance to tie the game when a fourth down pass from the Patriots 10-yard-line fell incomplete. Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw plenty of passes in this game trying to bring his team back from a large deficit, as he went 34-for-54 for 421 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He now has 1,330 passing yards (7.7 YPA), 8 TD and 3 INT on the year and will be asked to throw a lot without top RB Steven Jackson and due to the Jets' run defense being so difficult to gain yards on. TE Tony Gonzalez finally turned in the performance Atlanta fans have been waiting for with 12 receptions for 149 yards and 2 TD versus New England. He entered the game with just 11 catches for 93 yards and 1 TD in his first three games combined. WR Julio Jones had 108 yards on six catches in last week's loss, but outside of one 49-yard play, Patriots CB Aqib Talib did a pretty good job shutting the superstar down. Jones leads the NFL with 481 receiving yards, including 218 yards after catch (2nd in league), but WR Roddy White (high ankle sprain) is getting healthier each week and was able to play on 74 of 76 offensive snaps last Sunday. With six straight seasons of 80+ catches and 1,150+ yards, White is expected to give this offense another boost.

Where the Falcons really struggled in Week 4 was in the running game where they got just 58 yards combined from RBs Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling on 15 carries (3.9 YPC). For the season, Atlanta ranks 23rd in the NFL in rushing offense (82 YPG), despite a strong 4.4 yards per carry (11th in league).

Defensively, the Falcons have done an excellent job stopping the run (92 YPG, 6th in NFL), but have been burned for 301 passing YPG (7th-most in league). That is a big reason why opponents have 6.1 yards per play against them, the fourth-most in the NFL. Injuries to CB Asante Samuel (thigh) and LB Akeem Dent (ankle) are not helping the cause. Both players are listed as questionable for Monday night.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, October 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday Night Football betting: Jets at Falcons
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons (-10, 44)

The Atlanta Falcons have made three straight postseason appearances and won a pair of division titles in that span, but they are venturing into must-win territory entering Monday night's home matchup with the New York Jets. The Falcons already trail NFC South front-runner New Orleans by three games and will be out to avoid a third straight defeat for the first time since 2007. The Jets will look to bounce back from a turnover-riddled loss at Tennessee last week.

New York, and rookie quarterback Geno Smith in particular, hardly looked ready for prime time against the Titans and managed only a single touchdown for the third time in four games. Smith, who won the quarterback job when incumbent Mark Sanchez suffered a serious shoulder injury in the preseason, committed four turnovers that Tennessee turned into 28 points. It's something that has to stop now in order for us to progress and to get better as an offense and as a team," Smith conceded.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE: The Falcons opened -9.5 and are now -10. The total is currently 44.
WEATHER: N/A

ABOUT THE JETS (2-2): Smith needs to curb his string of mistakes after throwing eight interceptions and turning over the ball 11 times through four games, tying for the league lead. That task could be arduous if Smith is without starting wide receivers Santonio Holmes (hamstring) and Stephen Hill (concussion), who had each gone over 100 yards in a Week 3 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Holmes had only one reception last week before he was injured and voiced his displeasure about it this week, saying, "I can’t throw it to myself and catch it. Otherwise I would."

ABOUT THE FALCONS (1-3): Atlanta continues to lament its inability to convert in the red zone, but a bigger issue has been a defense that has yet to hold an opponent under 23 points, has produced only seven sacks and is allowing 26 points and a robust 393.3 yards per game. Matt Ryan threw for a career-high 421 yards in last week's 30-23 loss to New England but the offense has been inconsistent without a healthy Roddy White (10 catches) and running back Steven Jackson, who will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury. Wideout Julio Jones leads the league with 481 receiving yards.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the Falcons last four home games.
* Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games in October.
* Under is 4-1 in Jets last five road games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Ryan is 34-6 at home, including wins in 12 of his last 14 games.

2. RB Mike Goodson is expected to make his debut with the Jets after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy.

3. Jones is aiming for his fourth consecutive 100-yard game.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, October 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tale of the Tape: New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something has to give when the Atlanta Falcons entertain the New York Jets in Week 5's Monday night showdown. The Falcons are off to a dreadful 1-3 start thanks to a defense that is surrendering an average of 26 points per game. That could be just the tonic the Jets need, as they come in with a 2-2 mark but an average of just 17 points per contest.

Here's the breakdown in our betting tale of the tape:

Offense

The Falcons have yet to field their best offensive roster thanks to a pair of key injuries. Running back Steven Jackson will miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury, but may make his return to the lineup following Atlanta's Week 6 bye. Wide receiver Roddy White has played through an ankle injury, but he should also benefit from the week off. Atlanta has made do despite the injuries, ranking sixth in the league in yards per game (398.5) and a respectable 13th in points per game (23.5).

While the Jets have struggled to put up points, it hasn't been from a lack of yardage. New York is in the middle of the pack in passing yards per game (243.3) and actually ranks 11th in rushing yards per contest (123). A lack of discipline on behalf of his teammates has made life difficult for rookie quarterback Geno Smith; the Jets' offense ranks first in the NFL with 44 penalties, totaling 345 yards. They've also been sloppy with the ball, losing four fumbles and being on the wrong end of eight interceptions for an AFC-worst 12 turnovers.

Edge: Atlanta


Defense

The Atlanta pass defense has been abysmal through the opening month of the 2013 campaign, getting gashed for an average of 301 yards per game and nine touchdowns. The Falcons are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete better than 65 percent of their passes - the ninth-worst mark in the NFL - and their seven sacks are the third-fewest in the league. Atlanta is far more stout against the run, surrendering an average of 92.3 yards per game on the ground - tied with the Carolina Panthers for seventh overall.

Even with the departure of superstar defensive back Darrelle Revis, the Jets possess one of the top defenses in football. Only six teams are surrendering fewer passing yards per game than New York, which is holding the opposition to 204 per contest. The rush defense is even better - the Jets have permitted the fewest total yards on the ground (317), with their 79.3 per game average second only to Denver. One area of concern is the turnovers; New York has just one fumble recovery and one interception through four games.

Edge: New York


Special teams

Atlanta ranks in the middle of the pack in average kick return yards against (24), but has defended just four returns all season. The punt return defense is a far different story, with the Falcons allowing just 13 return yards on eight attempts. Atlanta has returned just two kickoffs for a total of 46 yards, while running back eight punts for 35 yards. Veteran placekicker Matt Bryant is 8-for-9 on field-goal opportunities so far in 2013, including makes from 23, 45 and 25 yards in last weekend's 30-23 loss to the New England Patriots.

The Jets have had one of the worst kickoff return games in the league, averaging just 16.8 yards in seven attempts - ahead of only the Green Bay Packers at 12.1. New York isn't much better in the punt return game, with its 5.1-yard average on eight returns good for 26th in the NFL. The Jets are allowing the fourth-highest kickoff return average (27) and the sixth-highest punt return average (11.3). New York placekicker Nick Folk is a perfect 8-for-8 in field-goal changes so far in 2013, with all of them coming from at least 30 yards out.

Edge: Atlanta


Notable Quotable

"You've got to play it respectfully and understand that (Falcons quarterback) Matt Ryan does get the ball out quick and you have to understand that there are going to be chances for us to make plays. We just have to be sure that we go out and capitalize when we can." - Jets CB Antonio Cromartie

"It's not just one area, not just one group. We had some protection issues. We had some routes that weren't run right. We had some drops. We had some missed throws. I can assure you we are addressing it as a coaching staff with our team." - Falcons head coach Mike Smith on last week's loss to the Patriots

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, October 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL betting: Monday Night Football on over trend
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 'over' has been the trend through the first four weeks of Monday Night Football.

After the first five games on Monday night through the first quarter of the regular season (Week 1 had a MNF double header), the over has posted a record of 4-1.

The only matchup not to soar over the total was the Week 2 meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals won 20-10 with the total set at 40.

Granted, we've seen some of the most potent offenses in the league on Monday night to start the season. The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints have all played on Monday night thus far.

Week 5 brings us the New York Jets (3-1 O/U) at Atlanta Falcons (3-1 O/U). The total is currently 44.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, October 7

Game Score Status Pick Amount

N.Y. Jets - 8:40 PM ET N.Y. Jets +10 500 POD # 2


Atlanta - Under 45 500 POD # 1

[StarDust Bum]

Bills rookie QB Thad Lewis named starter

October 7, 2013


ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - From practice squad to NFL starter: Quarterback Thad Lewis received the surprising news of his sudden promotion Monday, when he arrived at the Buffalo Bills facility for team meetings.

Shortly before 8 a.m., coach Doug Marrone pulled Lewis aside to inform him to get ready to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

``He just told me, `You're starting,''' Lewis told The Associated Press. ``He gave me the nod, so I have to go out and do my best with it.''

After working out free agent quarterbacks Pat White and Dennis Dixon over the weekend, the Bills (2-3) elected to stay in-house in their search for an interim replacement for injured rookie starter EJ Manuel.

Marrone initially announced the decision promote the 25-year-old Lewis to the active roster and have him start Sunday on his weekly show on Buffalo's WGR-Radio.

``At this point where we are now, (Lewis) gives us the best opportunity,'' Marrone said. ``He has experience. He has played in games. He knows the system.''

The Bills also lost out in a bid to sign former Tampa Bay Josh Freeman, who was cut by the Buccaneers last week. Freeman instead agreed to sign with Minnesota late Sunday night.

The scramble to find a starter began after Manuel sprained his right knee in a 37-24 loss to Cleveland on Thursday. The injury will not require surgery, but Manuel is expected to miss what Marrone called ``a few weeks'' and potentially longer.

Lewis' promotion came as a surprise after Marrone indicated last week that the team intended to conduct its quarterback search outside the organization.

The Bills had only one other quarterback on their roster, undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel, who struggled in replacing Manuel on Thursday. Tuel completed 8 of 20 passes for 80 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Lewis has spent the past six weeks with the Bills. He was acquired in a trade with Detroit in late August, after Manuel was sidelined with a left knee injury and veteran Kevin Kolb sustained a concussion.

Out of Duke, Lewis split the most of the past three seasons on the St. Louis Rams and Browns' practice squads. He has played one game, a start in the Browns' season finale against Pittsburgh last year, when he went 22 of 32 for 204 yards passing with a touchdown and interception.

Calling his excitement level as being ``through the roof,'' Lewis is attempting to keep his emotions in check. He's received no assurances from Marrone as to whether he'll maintain the job beyond this weekend.

``A lot of people are like, `Why aren't you happy and jumping for joy,''' Lewis said. ``But I know it's a business. And I know I have to get ready to help this team go out and win.''

Lewis is familiar with the Bills' up-tempo style of offense and their players.

``It's not hard learning the game plan,'' Lewis said. ``I've got a good grasp of it. It's helped out just being here and doing the amount of studying I've been doing.''

That's further ahead than he was than when he first arrived in Buffalo. Four days after being acquired, Lewis was thrust into action, backing up fellow newcomer Matt Leinart in the Bills preseason finale, a 35-13 loss to Detroit.

Lewis went 7 of 16 for 132 yards and a touchdown. Leinart was cut the following day, and the Bills thought enough of Lewis to sign him to their practice squad.

``I just have to go out and put my best foot forward,'' Lewis said. ``Don't do too much because you've got playmakers around you. But do enough to put us in a good position to get this W.''

[StarDust Bum]

Vick hurt, Foles may be Week 6 starter

October 7, 2013


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Chip Kelly says quarterback Michael Vick is day to day because of a hamstring injury and Nick Foles could win the starting job based on his performance.

Vick left Sunday's 36-21 win at the New York Giants in the second quarter after injuring his left hamstring running out of bounds on a scramble. Foles came in and threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns in slightly over a half.

The Eagles (2-3) play at Tampa Bay (0-4) next Sunday. Though Vick has played well, Kelly wouldn't rule out the possibility that Foles could remain the starter. Kelly says ``if someone comes in and puts on an unbelievable performance, you take that into account.''

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Week 6 opening line report: Will Broncos let up vs. Jags?

The mainstream media loves games like Jacksonville at Denver.

While most sports reporters shy away from the sinful spreads in their columns, this massive 28-point line has everyone talking about Week 6’s first-versus-worst matchup.

The spread has been up since last week, when the LVH Superbook in Las Vegas opened its lookahead lines. And Week 5’s results – Denver win in Dallas, Jacksonville loss in St. Louis – have done little to change the odds.

“I equate this spread to this past weekend’s Georgia State-Alabama spread (56.5),” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada based odds service The Sports Club, tells Covers. “If Denver gets up big in the first half, I don’t expect them to keep it up. There’s no incentive for it. They will pull their starters and get some rest. The line is deserved but if you’re a handicapper, you have to know that Denver won’t risk getting anyone injured.”

The Broncos also have an important conference game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 – Peyton Manning’s former team. We looked at the biggest NFL spreads of the past 28 seasons last week, and favorites of more than 20 points - -20.5 to -24 - are a 0-7 ATS since 1985.

According to Covers Expert Bruce Marshall, editor of the famous Gold Sheet, the Broncos-Jags spread ties the highest line in NFL history – the expansion Atlanta Falcons hosting the Baltimore Colts (-28) in 1966. The Falcons covered, losing 19-7 in Week 10.

New York Giants at Chicago Bears (-9.5, 45.5)

Some books opened this spread as low as Chicago -7.5 but it seems like the betting market is finally starting to believe in the Giants’ 0-5 start.

“I don’t understand why they’re betting on New York. Up until Sunday, people were still hammering the Giants every week, thinking that they were due,” says Korner, who sent out a suggested line of Bears -10. “It was a mistake for any book to open this around a touchdown. Let the money take it down. The Giants have been big winners for books this season. And you never leave a hot machine at the casino.”


Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens (+3, 48)

The defending Super Bowl champs are 3-point home underdogs against the Packers in Week 6. Korner says this line could go up to as high as Green Bay -4 before kickoff, but isn’t sold on the Cheese Heads being that big.

“Baltimore showed some life this weekend and is coming back around,” he says. “Green Bay wasn’t really that impressive beating a Detroit team missing its best player (WR Calvin Johnson). People have short-term memories when it comes to betting, so it would be no surprise to see this move up to 3.5 or -4.”


New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots (-1, 49.5)

Korner says he brought New Orleans as a slight road favorite to the table, but released a suggested spread of Patriots -2.5, hesitant to make New England a home underdog. But it wouldn’t surprise him to see the Saints close as the chalk.

“The Saints have that fearsome offense. And the Patriots do not,” Korner says. “If this line runs, it runs to New Orleans. It won’t go toward New England. There is nowhere to go but to New Orleans."