NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 8 (Thursday, October 24 - Monday, October 28)

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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Cowboys at Lions: What bettors need to know
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Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (-3, 51)

The Dallas Cowboys are riding a two-game winning streak and starting to put up some impressive defensive numbers to go along with Tony Romo and the offense. That passing defense will get a workout on Sunday when the Cowboys visit Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions. The Lions are sixth in the NFL in passing at an average of 304.1 yards but are giving up nearly as many yards in the secondary.

Dallas’ defense got a wake-up call in a 51-48 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 6 and has been a different unit since, holding its last two opponents to a total of 19 points. The Cowboys are beginning their defensive turnaround without a few big names on the line and could be without end DeMarcus Ware (strained right quad) for a second straight game on Sunday. Detroit dropped two of its last three games and suffered its first home loss against Cincinnati last week.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE: The Lions opened as 3-point home faves. The total opened 51.

WEATHER: N/A

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (4-3): Romo is tied with Stafford and Philip Rivers for second in the NFL with 15 TD passes and wide receiver Dez Bryant is making noise like he wants to be mentioned in the same conversation with Johnson as the best receiver in the league. Romo and Bryant hooked up for 110 yards in a 17-3 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last week but were the secondary story behind the defense. With Ware sitting out the contest, Dallas still forced three turnovers and recorded three sacks in a dominating performance.

ABOUT THE LIONS (4-3): Detroit started out 3-1 with two victories within the NFC North but could not get over the hump against playoff contenders Green Bay and Cincinnati in two of the last three weeks. Stafford passed for 357 yards and three touchdowns last week against the Bengals, but Reggie Bush was held to 50 yards on 20 carries and the defense could not get the stop it needed on Cincinnati’s final drive. The bright spot was Johnson, who has been hampered by knee issues but broke out for 155 yards and a pair of TD catches.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Lions last four home games.
* Lions are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games in October.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Johnson (knee) sat out practice on Wednesday but was back Thursday and is listed as questionable.

2. Cowboys WR Miles Austin (hamstring) has been limited in practice and is questionable.

3. Dallas RB DeMarco Murray (knee ligament sprain) missed last week but returned to practice on Wednesday.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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49ers vs. Jaguars: What bettors need to know
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San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+14.5, 40.5)

The San Francisco 49ers look to carry their hot streak overseas when they take on the winless Jacksonville Jaguars at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Since an ugly 20-point loss at home to Indianapolis on Sept. 22, the 49ers have won four straight by an average of 20.3 points. The league's third-ranked rushing attack rolled up 153 yards on the ground in a 31-17 win at Tennessee last Sunday, San Francisco's fourth straight game with at least 30 points.

The 49ers defeated Denver 24-16 at Wembley on Oct. 31, 2010. Jacksonville is making its first overseas appearance and has agreed to play a home game in London every year through 2016. The Jaguars, who allow 26.2 more rushing yards than any other team in the NFL, ran their losing streak over the past two seasons to 12 with a 24-6 loss to San Diego last Sunday.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, Fox.

LINE: The 49ers opened as 16.5-point faves and are now -14.5. The total opened at 40.5.

WEATHER: Wind will blow across the field at 16 mph. The probability of rain will increase throughout the game.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (5-2): Frank Gore may be licking his chops while thinking of getting a chance to run through the soft Jacksonville run defense, but he is listed as questionable for the contest with an ankle injury. If the ground game is limited in any way, expect quarterback Colin Kaepernick to continue to seek out tight end Vernon Davis, who has 17 catches and four touchdowns in the last four weeks. Tight ends have averaged six receptions a game against Jacksonville.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (0-7): There was a mild degree of optimism for Jacksonville after it stuck around well into the third quarter at mighty Denver two weeks ago, but the loss to the Chargers at home was another embarrassing blow. Chad Henne was sacked six times and the woeful Jaguars went 0-for-3 in the red zone. Blaine Gabbert has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month at St. Louis, but Henne - who has thrown for 300-plus yards in consecutive games - will get the start.

TRENDS:

* Over is 11-3 in 49ers last 14 games overall.
* 49ers are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
* Jaguars are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Jaguars last five games in Week 8.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. San Francisco P Andy Lee was named NFC special teams player of the week after pinning three of his six punts against Tennessee inside the 20.

2. Since Week 5, Jacksonville WR Justin Blackmon leads the NFL with 25 catches and 384 yards.

3. Davis and Gore both had touchdown catches in the Niners' 20-3 win over the Jaguars in the last meeting between these teams Nov. 29, 2009.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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Tale of the Tape: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
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The Minnesota Vikings hope their latest foray into the national spotlight is more successful than their previous one.

Christian Ponder takes the latest spin on the Vikings' quarterbacking merry-go-'round as Minnesota hosts Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Minnesota is coming off an ugly 23-7 loss to the previously winless New York Giants in the Monday nighter.

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

Offense

Led by the cannon arm of Rodgers, the Packers boast an impressive pass offense ranked fourth in the league in yards per game (300). Rodgers' 13 touchdown passes rank Green Bay in a tie for seventh-most in the NFL, and he has been intercepted just four times so far in 2013. The Packers' rush attack has been stout as well, averaging 134.7 yards per contest - sixth-most in the league.

The Minnesota QB carousel - featuring appearances by Ponder, Matt Cassel and Josh Freeman - has yielded predictably subpar results. The Vikings are averaging just 214 passing yards per game - tied with Seattle for 24th in the league - with five touchdowns and eight interceptions. The running game has been underwhelming, as well - despite boasting defending rushing champion Adrian Peterson, Minnesota ranks 19th in the NFL with 102 yards per game.

Edge: Green Bay


Defense

The Green Bay pass defense has struggled all season long. The Packers have yielded 267 yards through the air per game - tied for 23rd - with 12 touchdowns against and just three interceptions. The outlook has been much brighter when it comes to run defense, however. Green Bay has surrendered the fewest total rush yards (474), the third-lowest per-game average (79) and just three total touchdowns on the ground.

Minnesota's offensive struggles have been accentuated thanks to a pass defense that has also underperformed. The Vikings are getting torched for 289 passing yards per game - the fourth-highest mark in the league - while surrendering 14 touchdowns. Minnesota has been better in run defense, ranking 14th at 102.3 yards against per game while forcing five fumbles - tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.

Edge: Green Bay


Special Teams

There is no worse kick-return unit than Green Bay, which averages just 14.9 yards on 10 attempts. The Packers are more effective in the punt-return game, ranked 10th in the league at 9.7 yards per attempts. Green Bay is surrendering a league-high 29.5 yards per kickoff return but just 7.9 yards per punt return try. Packers kicker Mason Crosby has connected on 14 of 16 field-goal attempts, going 1-for-2 in last week's 31-13 triumph over the Cleveland Browns.

Minnesota is one of only two teams with a kickoff return touchdown this season, helping bolster its average return to 30.4 yards - good for second in the NFL. The Vikings also rank second in punt return average (15.9). Minnesota allows the second-highest kick return average (29.1) but ranks a respectable 11th in opposing punt return average (7.1). Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh is 9-for-11 on field goals, but is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Edge: Minnesota


Notable Quotable

"Eddie (Lacy) is running the ball well right now. I'm just trying to take some of the load off of Eddie and split up the remaining reps between Johnathan (Franklin) and James (Starks), because James and Johnathan still bring some unique abilities to the run game." - Packers running backs coach Alex Van Pelt on the team's versatile rushing game

"It's a phenomenal organization. I had to make my departure. There were some things said that, man, if I could say it over again I would re-word it so that it can be conveyed a little differently. But they were said, and I can't focus on that." - Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings, referring to comments made when asked about his time with the Packers


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[Udog]

Essential betting tidbits for Week 8 of the NFL

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Sunday's NFL action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.

- Since a 27-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, the San Francisco 49ers are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four games overall. The Niners are 14.5-point faves against Jacksonville in London, England.

- The Niners secondary will have their hands full with Jags WR Justin Blackmon. Since Week 5, Blackmon leads the NFL with 25 catches and 384 yards.

- The Kansas City Chiefs lead the NFL with 35 sacks. The Chiefs face a weak Browns pass protection who allow their QBs to be sacked an average of 3.9 times per game.

- The New England Patriots have won 13-straight home games against AFC East opponents, but are just 5-8 ATS during that stretch. The Pats are 6-point home faves with the Miami Dolphins in town.

- The Dolphins are good to backers in recent Week 8 games. Miami is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games in Week 8.

- The New Orleans Saints are the top Covers consensus play among home teams at 66 percent. They are 3-0 SU and ATS in their three home games this season and are 11-point home faves versus Buffalo.

- It is rare when the Bills and Saints meet, but when they do, the fave is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

- The Dallas Cowboys defense has smartened up since getting picked apart by Peyton and the Broncos. The Cowboys have held their last two opponents to a combined 19 points.

- That D will be tested by the Detroit Lions, however. The past four times these teams have met, the Over is 4-0. Sunday's total is currently 51.

- The Giants meet the Eagles in an NFC East battle Sunday. The dog is 13-4-1 in the last 18 meetings. The G-Men are 5.5-point road dogs.

- Home is not where the heart is for the Eagles, however. Philly is 0-9 SU and ATS in its last nine home games.

- Aren't bye weeks supposed to be good? Not for the Raiders, apparently. The Raiders are 1-9 ATS and 0-10 SU in their last 10 games following a bye.

- Perhaps a visit from the Steeles will put a cork in the Raiders post-bye week woes. The Steelers are just 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings. The Steelers are 1-point road faves.

- The New York Jets are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four meetings with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets are 6-point road dogs.

- Total bettors should look at the Falcons at Cardinals game. The Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings at 'Zona and the Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Sunday's total is 46.

- The top Covers consensus play on totals is the Over in the matchup between the Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos at 77 percent. The total is currently 58.5.

- The Green Bay Packers are the top Covers consensus pick for Sunday at 72 percent. The Pack are 9.5-point road faves at Minnesota Sunday night.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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Sunday's NFL Week 8 betting cheat sheet: Early action
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Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions (-3, 51)

The Dallas Cowboys are riding a two-game winning streak and starting to put up some impressive defensive numbers to go along with Tony Romo and the offense. That passing defense will get a workout on Sunday when the Cowboys visit Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions. The Lions are sixth in the NFL in passing at an average of 304.1 yards but are giving up nearly as many yards in the secondary.

Dallas’ defense got a wake-up call in a 51-48 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 6 and has been a different unit since, holding its last two opponents to a total of 19 points. The Cowboys are beginning their defensive turnaround without a few big names on the line and could be without end DeMarcus Ware (strained right quad) for a second straight game on Sunday. Detroit dropped two of its last three games and suffered its first home loss against Cincinnati last week.

LINE: Detroit has held steady as a three-point favorite. The total opened at 51.
WEATHER: N/A
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Dallas (-4.0) - Detroit (-1.0) - home field (-3.0) = Pick
TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games.
* Lions are 8-18 ATS in their last 26 games against the NFC.
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.


Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5, 38.5)

The Kansas City Chiefs look to remain the only undefeated team in the NFL when they host the slumping Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kansas City maintained its unblemished record when it eked out a 17-16 home victory over the Houston Texans last week. One key to the Chiefs' perfect mark is their stingy defense, which has allowed a league-low 81 points and hasn't yielded more than 17 in a game.

Cleveland attempts to halt its two-game skid, as well as Kansas City's remarkable run, behind a new quarterback. With Brian Hoyer out for the season with a knee injury and Brandon Weeden fizzling, the Browns turn to Jason Campbell. After winning three straight to become one of the NFL's surprise teams through five weeks, Cleveland has lost contests against Detroit and Green Bay by a combined 62-30.
LINE: K.C. opened as a 9.5-point fave. The total opened at 39 and is down to 38.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s under sunny skies.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Cleveland (+4.5) + Kansas City (-4.5) + home field (-3.0) = Kansas City -12
TRENDS:

* Browns are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
* Chiefs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
* Under is 18-7-1 in Cleveland's last 26 games on grass.


Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-6.5, 45.5)

The Miami Dolphins won their first three games of the season to present themselves as a serious challenger to the New England Patriots in the AFC East. After losing their next three contests, the Dolphins look to remain within earshot of the division-leading Patriots on Sunday when the teams meet in Foxborough, Mass. Dan Carpenter burned his former team by drilling the go-ahead field goal with 33 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter as Buffalo rallied to a 23-21 victory over Miami last weekend.

New England fell to an AFC East rival for the first time in 13 meetings as the New York Jets spoiled the return of Rob Gronkowski en route to a 30-27 overtime decision last week. After stringing together touchdown passes in 52 consecutive games, Tom Brady failed to throw one for the second time in three weeks - although he connected with his Pro Bowl tight end eight times for 114 yards.

LINE: The Pats opened as 7-point faves are are now -6.5. The total opened at 45.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s under sunny skies. Wind will blow across the field at 11 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Miami (+1.0) + New England (-5.0) + home field (-3.0) = New England -9
TRENDS:

* Dolphins are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 Week 8 games.
* Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last five games vs. the AFC.
* Under is 5-1 in the Dolphins' last six games against the AFC East.


Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints (-11, 48)

After a week off, the New Orleans Saints look to rebound from their first loss of the season when they host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It's a homecoming for former Saints offensive coordinator Doug Marrone, whose Bills snapped a six-game road losing streak with a 23-21 win at Miami last week and seek back-to-back wins away from home for the first time since 2009.

The Saints have won three games by eight points or fewer but ended up on the wrong end of a 30-27 decision at New England last time out and are wary of a Buffalo team that been competitive in every game.
LINE: The Saints opened as 12.5-point faves but are now -11. The total opened at 50 and is down to 48.
WEATHER: N/A
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Buffalo (+4.5) - New Orleans (-6.0) + home field (-3.0) = New Orleans -13.5
TRENDS:

* Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Saints are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a bye week.
* Over is 14-3 in Buffalo's last 17 games on turf.


New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-5, 50.5)

Unless the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants play to a tie on Sunday - and given the NFC East this season, anything is possible - a long losing streak is going to end this weekend. The Eagles have not won a home game since defeating the Giants on Sept. 30, 2012, losing nine straight at Lincoln Financial Field. Meanwhile, New York has not won a road game since Oct. 14, 2012, at San Francisco, dropping eight in a row away from MetLife Stadium.

The Giants notched their first win of the season Monday night versus the Vikings and now they will try to win back-to-back games for the first time since going 4-0 in October 2012.

LINE: The Eagles opened as 5.5-point faves and are now -5. The total opened at 53 and is down to 50.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s. Wind will blow across the field at 8 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: New York (+4.0) - Philadelphia (+1.0) + home field (-3.0) = Philadelphia -6
TRENDS:

* Bills are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a SU win.
* Saints are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.
* Over is 6-0 in New Orleans' last six games following a bye week.


San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+14.5, 40.5)

Game played at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The San Francisco 49ers look to carry their hot streak overseas when they take on the winless Jacksonville Jaguars at London's Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Since an ugly 20-point loss at home to Indianapolis on Sept. 22, the 49ers have won four straight by an average of 20.3 points. The league's third-ranked rushing attack rolled up 153 yards on the ground in a 31-17 win at Tennessee last Sunday, San Francisco's fourth straight game with at least 30 points.

The 49ers defeated Denver 24-16 at Wembley on Oct. 31, 2010. Jacksonville is making its first overseas appearance and has agreed to play a home game in London every year through 2016. The Jaguars, who allow 26.2 more rushing yards than any other team in the NFL, ran their losing streak over the past two seasons to 12 with a 24-6 loss to San Diego last Sunday.

LINE: The 49ers opened as 17-point favorites but are now -14.5. The total opened 40.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s and wind will blow diagonally across the field at 16 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: San Francisco (-5.5) + Jacksonville (+9.0) + neutral site (0) = Jacksonville +14.5
TRENDS:

* 49ers are 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 games on grass.
* Jaguars are 8-18-1 ATS in their last 27 games against teams with winning records.
* Over is 8-2 in San Francisco's last 10 games following a SU win.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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Sunday's NFL Week 8 betting cheat sheet: Late action
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders (+1, 40)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still picking up the pieces after an 0-4 start but appear to be headed in the right direction with wins in the last two contests. The Steelers will attempt to make it three straight when they visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. The Raiders are coming off a bye week and are a much better team at home, where they have taken two of their first three games.

Pittsburgh won a defensive slugfest against rival Baltimore last week and got some positive contributions from the running game, which had been a big area of concern. Rookie Le’Veon Bell ran for a season-high 93 yards on nearly five yards per carry but could be in for a tougher road against an Oakland run defense that ranks 10th in the league in average yardage allowed.

LINE: The Raiders opened as 3-point home dogs and are now +1.The total opened 40.5 and is now 40.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with clear skies and wind blowing across the field at 6 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Pittsburgh (+2.5) - Oakland (+5.5) + home field (-3.0) = Pick
TRENDS:

* Steelers are 1-5 ATS against teams with losing records.
* Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 7-0 in Oakland's last seven home games.


New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-6, 41)

The Cincinnati Bengals seek their fourth consecutive win and also to maintain their hold on first place in the AFC North when they host the New York Jets on Sunday. Cincinnati’s victories have been by a combined 13 points during a hot streak that has led to a two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. The Jets are one game behind New England in the AFC East after beating the Patriots last weekend.

New York quarterback Geno Smith is the first rookie since the 1970 merger with four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime through his first seven career games. He has been prone to consistency issues and has just eight touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

LINE: The Bengals opened -6.5 and are now -6. The total opened at 41.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with sunny skies. Wind will blow across the field at 5 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: New York (+3.0) + Cincinnati (-2.5) + home field (-3.0) = Cincinnati -8.5
TRENDS:

* Jets are 0-6 ATS in their last six games in Week 8.
* Bengals are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. the AFC.
* The under is 9-1 in Cincinnati's last 10 games against the AFC.


Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals (-1, 46)

A pair of teams scrambling to stay in the periphery of the NFC playoff picture square off Sunday in the desert when the Arizona Cardinals host the Atlanta Falcons. Injuries have hampered the Falcons in their NFC South title defense, but they could have a key offensive player back this week as running back Steven Jackson returned to practice Wednesday after missing four games with a hamstring injury.

The Cardinals were unable to dig out of a 14-0 hole last week in a 34-22 loss to division-leading Seattle, dropping their second straight game following a modest two-game win streak. The Falcons have won two straight meetings and six of the last seven, including a 23-19 victory in Atlanta last season.

LINE: The Cardinals opened -2.5 and are now -1. The total opened at 44.5 and is up to 46.
WEATHER: N/A
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Atlanta (+1.0) + Arizona (+3.5) - home field (-3.0) = Arizona -0.5
TRENDS:

* Falcons are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games against teams with losing records.
* Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.


Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos (-11, 58.5)

Peyton Manning has built a reputation for his legendary preparedness, but he will be in somewhat unfamiliar territory when the Denver Broncos look to rebound from their first loss in more than a year against the visiting Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Broncos were upended at Indianapolis 39-33 last week to snap a franchise-record 17-game winning streak dating to Oct. 7, 2012. The defeat also dropped Denver one game behind first-place Kansas City in the AFC West.

The Redskins are trying to dig themselves out of a hole for the second straight season, winning for the second time in three games after prevailing in a wild 45-41 shootout with Chicago last week. It marked a season high in points allowed by Washington, which has surrendered more than 30 four times and is yielding an averaging of 30.7 per contest.

LINE: The Broncos opened -14 and are now -11. The total opened at 56.5 and is up to 58.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s. Wind will blow toward the N end zone at 4 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Washington (+1.5) - Denver (-8.0) - home field (-3.0) = Denver -12.5

TRENDS:

* Redskins are 6-0 ATS in their last six games after scoring 30 or more points in their previous game.
* Broncos are 5-1 ATS vs. teams with losing records.
* Over is 13-3 in Denver's previous 16 October games.


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[Udog]

NFL betting: Top 5 key Week 8 injuries

With six teams on a bye in Week 8, key injuries among teams in action stand out even more. A high-volume running back appears to be set to return, while an electrifying wide receiver is a 50/50 decision to make his regular-season debut with a new team.

Here's a look at the five biggest injury impacts entering the bulk of Week 8:

Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants (doubtful, hamstring)

The Giants' running back situation remains a mess with word that Jacobs is expected to miss Sunday's Week 8 matchup with Philadelphia due to a nagging hamstring injury. Jacobs is hoping to recover during the team's Week 9 bye, though regular second-stringer Andre Brown (broken leg) may be close to returning by then. With starter David Wilson (neck) a question mark to return at all this season, New York will rely on retread Peyton Hillis for heavy work this weekend, backed up by rookie Michael Cox.

The Giants are 5.5-point underdogs for Sunday's showdown with the host Eagles. The total is 50.5.

Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints (questionable, foot)

The top tight end in football returned to practice Friday on a limited basis, but will be a game-time decision for Sunday afternoon. The fact that Graham participated at all is encouraging, though with the team working mostly on its red-zone offense on the final day of practice, it may suggest that Graham will have to settle for a limited role if he does suit up. The rest of the key offensive players, including wide receiver Marques Colston and running back Darren Sproles, will see more attention from quarterback Drew Brees in Graham's absence.

The Saints are installed as 11-point favorites for Sunday's game against visiting Buffalo.

Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks (questionable, hip)

Harvin has been activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list and is practicing with the team, but is a coin flip to make his Seattle debut in the Monday nighter. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll will only classify Harvin is considered "day-to-day," suggesting that the marquee free-agent acquisition may not be ready to participate in game action. Seattle has done well in Harvin's absence - posting the best record in the NFC at 6-1 - and are in no hurry to rush back their veteran wideout following offseason hip surgery.

The Seahawks are listed as 11-point favorites for the Monday nighter in St. Louis. The total is 42.5.

Danny Amendola, WR, New England Patriots (questionable, concussion)

Amendola's injury-plagued season received a boost Friday when it was reported that he passed all of the concussion protocol required to return to the field. "I've done pretty much everything they've asked me to do," he told reporters. "I'm healthy and I'm ready to play." Head coach Bill Belichick may disagree - he's the one making the call on Amendola's playing status for Sunday - but beat writers expect that Amendola will make his return. Considering his injury history, he may be on a limited snap count in the early going.

Oddsmakers have made the Patriots 6-point favorites Sunday against Miami, with a total of 45.5.

Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (probable, hamstring)

Jackson practiced in full throughout the week and is ready to return for the first time since exiting the Falcons' Week 2 game against St. Louis with a hamstring injury. Jackson, who scored a touchdown prior to the ailment, should provide a major shot in the arm for an Atlanta rushing attack ranked 30th in the league with just 68.3 yards per game. His presence will be especially critical for a Falcons team that will be without star wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White, as well as reserve running back Jason Snelling.

The Falcons are installed as one-point underdogs in Arizona. The total is listed at 46.

[Udog]

NFL betting weather report: Sunday's forecasts

Find out how weather will impact your NFL bets for Sunday's matchups:

San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+14.5, 40.5)
From London, England
Temperatures will be in the high-50s with a 20 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow across the field at 17 mph.


Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5, 38.5)
Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at 7 mph.


Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-6, 45.5)
Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at 11 mph.


New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5, 50.5)
Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow across the field at 9 mph.


Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders (+1, 40)
Temperatures will be in the low-60s with wind blowing across the field at 9 mph.


New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-6, 41)
Temperatures will be in the low-50s with wind blowing across the field at 5 mph.


Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos (-11, 58.5)
Temperatures will be in the high-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at 4 mph.

[Udog]

Where the action is: Sunday's NFL line moves

[B]A second game in London, England is on the board for Week 8 of the NFL schedule as the sizzling San Francisco 49ers take on the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, sharps and public are liking the Broncos to surge over the total once again.

We talk to sportsbooks about the action coming in on the Sunday Night Football matchup and where oddsmakers see the line closing come kickoff:

San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars - Open: +16.5, Move: +16

The 49ers won and covered in their last game in London, England. The Niners prevailed 24-16 as 2-point faves versus the Denver Broncos back in 2010. The hot-49ers are much bigger favorites this time around.

"I've seen the line a little bit lower, but we haven't taken much on the dog," says Jimmy Vaccaro, a veteran Las Vegas oddsmaker with South Point. "There's been minimal action at best as this is certainly not the greatest matchup."

Vaccaro also stated that action was coming on the Under 40 for this matchup.

"We saw some of the Sharps take the Under right away," he said. "The games over there tend to be played on that field where who knows how many soccer games have been played leading up to the game."


Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints - Open: -13, Move: -11

Bills QB Thad Lewis played pretty well in leading his team to a victory over the Miami Dolphins. The victory halted a two-game losing skid for the Bills, but have covered the spread in their previous two.

"On Thursday we got a sharp play on the dog so moved to -11.5," says Mike Perry, an oddsmaker with Sportsbook.ag. "Then earlier this morning moved again in the Bills favor to +11."


Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions - Open: -3, Move: -3.5, Move: -3

Tony Romo and Cowboys come in hot having won back-to-back games for the first time this season and have covered three straight and own an ATS record of 6-1.

"The first huge wave that came in was from people laying the -3 and the laying the moneyline as cheap as they could find it," says Vaccaro. "We then moved it to -3.5 and a light came on for the Dallas people and actually bet more then the people laying the -3. It's been at -3 since and we've taken some dribs and drabs on the Cowboys but nothing spectacular."


Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos - Open: 55.5, Move: 58.5

Bettors are loving the Over in Denver Broncos games this season and with good reason. The Broncos are averaging a blistering 42.6 points per game and own a league-best 7-0 O/U record.

"Sharps and public are all on the over once again," says an oddsmaker with BetDSI. "We opened at 55.5 and are now at 58.5."


Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos - Open: -13, Move: -11.5

After starting 3-0-1 ATS, the Broncos have cooled off and have failed to cover the spread in three straight. They are coming off their first SU loss of the season at Indy and action had come in on the Redskins.

"People took all the 13's they could get as soon as it went up there," Vaccaro said. "This could be a bet against the Broncos more than on the Redskins as Manning got a little dinged up and that defense has a lot of holes in it."


Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs - Open: -7, Move: -7.5

The Chiefs still own a spotless 7-0 SU record and are 5-2 ATS. On the flip side is the Cleveland Browns, who come in cold and have dropped their last two games by an average of 16 points.

"We opened the Chiefs -7 and we took enough to go to -7.5 but it has languished there for the past three of four days and hasn't moved one way or another," Vaccaro told Covers. "There are some people that I respect that think the Browns are the way to go, but we'll have a landslide of parlay cards utilizing the Chiefs."


New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles - Open: -6, Move: -5.5

The G-Men are coming off a big week as they defeated an incredibly poor Minnesota Vikings team on a dreadful edition Monday Night Football and bettors have been snatching up the Giants at +6.

"Two teams that aren't performing well but money has been on the Giants," Vaccaro says. "I thought the -6 was a little high and was thinking -5 or -5.5. But, there's been a smidgen of money on the Giants, yet nothing to get exciting about."

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 27

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Redskins at Broncos: What bettors need to know
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Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos (-11, 58.5)

Peyton Manning has built a reputation for his legendary preparedness, but he will be in somewhat unfamiliar territory when the Denver Broncos look to rebound from their first loss in more than a year against the visiting Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Broncos were upended at Indianapolis 39-33 last week to snap a franchise-record 17-game winning streak dating to Oct. 7, 2012. The defeat also dropped Denver one game behind first-place Kansas City in the AFC West.

The Redskins are trying to dig themselves out of a hole for the second straight season, winning for the second time in three games after prevailing in a wild 45-41 shootout with Chicago last week. It marked a season high in points allowed by Washington, which has surrendered more than 30 four times and is yielding an averaging of 30.7 per contest. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan returns to the city where he coached for 14 seasons and led Denver to back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

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

LINE: The Broncos opened -13.5 and are now -11. The total opened at 56.5 and is up to 58.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with clear skies.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (2-4): Washington's success last season was built around a punishing ground game, one which produced its second straight 200-yard effort last week. Quarterback Robert Griffin III appeared tentative to run last month in his comeback from a torn ACL, but he has piled up 161 yards rushing in his last two and posted a season-best 105.2 passer rating while throwing for 298 yards and two scores against Chicago. Alfred Morris, who amassed 1,613 yards rushing last season as a rookie, had 95 yards on a season-high 19 carries last week and backup Roy Helu added 41 yards and three scores.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (6-1): Denver is on a record-setting pace with 298 points scored - the most in history through the first seven games of the season - but was unable to come all the way back from a 19-point deficit against the Colts. Manning leads the league in scoring passes (25) and yards (2,565) after throwing for three touchdowns and 386 yards against his former team, but the Broncos are also permitting a league-worst 319.9 passing yards per game and will likely be without star cornerback Champ Bailey (foot). Manning was back at practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a sore ankle.

TRENDS:

* Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Redskins are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games in Week 8.
* Broncos are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games in October.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Manning is 11-1 with 38 TDs and four interceptions at home since joining the Broncos.

2. Redskins S Brandon Meriweather will serve a one-game suspension for repeated hits to the head of opponents.

3. Denver's margin of victory in its four home games is 21.5 points.


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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 28

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Monday Night Football betting: Seahawks at Rams
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Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams (+11.5, 42.5)

Having lost their starting quarterback for the season and whiffed on an attempt to lure Brett Favre out of retirement, the St. Louis Rams are facing the unenviable task of solving one of the league's most ferocious defenses in a prime-time matchup. Former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford suffered a torn ACL in last week's loss to Carolina, putting Kellen Clemens in the line of fire when the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks visit the Rams on Monday night.

The Seahawks have won two straight since their lone defeat at Indianapolis and hold a one-game lead over San Francisco atop the division. Seattle's calling card is a unit that is second in total defense (282.1 yards per game) and interceptions (11) and third in the league in points allowed with an average of 16.6 per game. Although the teams split a pair of narrow decisions last season, the Seahawks have won 14 of the last 16 against St. Louis.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: The Rams opened as 10-point home dogs and are now +11.5. The total opened 42.5.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (6-1): While Seattle's defense receives a ton of attention, the offense has been efficient behind second-year quarterback Russell Wilson and wrecking-ball running back Marshawn Lynch, who is second in the league in rushing with 578 yards. Wilson has thrown for 11 touchdowns versus four interceptions while awaiting the return of marquee wide receiver Percy Harvin, who returned to practice this week after undergoing hip surgery in preseason. The Seahawks are tied for second in turnover differential at plus-7 and have forced at least two in each game.

ABOUT THE RAMS (3-4): St. Louis' modest two-game win streak came to a crashing halt last week at Carolina, a defeat magnified by the loss of Bradford. Clemens, a former second-round pick of the New York Jets who is in his third season with the Rams, has only 12 starts and 31 career appearances on his resume, posting a completion percentage of 51.8 and passer rating of 62.2. Clemens will be relying on a pair of the team's first-year players - wideout Tavon Austin leads all rookies with 29 receptions while running back Zac Stacy is averaging 70 yards rushing in his past three.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Seahawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 meetings.
* Over is 4-0 in Rams last four games overall.
* Seahawks are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six Monday games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Lynch has rushed for 100 yards in three straight against St. Louis.

2. The Rams are 30th in the league in rushing defense at 126.4 yards per game.

3. Wilson is seeking his sixth straight win against an NFC West opponent


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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 28

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Tale of the Tape: Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
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The Kellen Clemens Era begins in St. Louis as the Rams entertain the Seattle Seahawks in a Monday nighter between NFC West foes.

The Seahawks come in tied with the New Orleans Saints for the best record in the conference, led by a formidable defense allowing just 16 points per game. Clemens gets the start after regular quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.

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

Offense

Second-year quarterback Russell Wilson has bolstered the Seattle offense lately after opening the season with a thud. Seattle is averaging a modest 214 passing yards per game, but has 12 touchdowns and should receive a significant boost with the imminent return of star wide receiver Percy Harvin. The Seahawks have excelled in the running game, sitting among the league leaders with 154.4 yards per contest while racking up seven touchdowns on the ground.

For all the flak Bradford was taking from fans, he had actually guided the Rams to a passable aerial attack. St. Louis finds itself just below the middle of the pack in passing yards per game (228), but has 14 passing touchdowns against just four interceptions through its first seven games. The Rams are averaging just 70.6 rushing yards per contest, but are encouraged by the progress being made by first-year running back Zac Stacy.

Edge: Seattle


Defense

The vaunted Seattle defense doesn't do opposing offenses any favors, and Clemens should expect plenty of resistance Monday night. The Seahawks have limited the opposition to just under 92 rushing yards per game and four touchdowns on the ground, forcing six fumbles in the process. The pass defense has been even more sensational, ranking second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (191) with six TDs against and 11 interceptions.

St. Louis once had a defense to be feared, but hasn't been able to live up to that reputation so far in 2013. The Rams are allowing 247 yards per game with 12 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The opposition's quarterback rating of 103.4 is among the worst in the NFL. Teams have also been able to run all over St. Louis, gashing it for better than 126 yards per outing with seven touchdowns.

Edge: Seattle


Special Teams

The Seahawks have one of the Top 10 kickoff return games in football, averaging 26.1 yards per attempt. The punt-return game is far less impressive; Seattle has run back six punts for a total of eight yards, easily the fewest in the NFL. Kicker Steven Hauschka has been one of the most accurate kickers in the league to date - connecting on 16-of-17 field-goal attempts - and made both of his kicks in last week's 34-22 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals.

St. Louis finds itself in the middle of the pack when it comes to kick return yardage, averaging 24 yards per attempt. Like the Seahawks, the Rams have been dreadful on punt returns, racking up just 31 yards on 15 attempts. Veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein is a perfect 11-for-11 on field-goal attempts in 2013, including makes for 28 and 42 yards in last weekend's 30-15 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers.

Edge: Seattle


Notable Quotable

"I don't think he's better throwing the football or any of those things ... it's just his command of what we're asking him. He's just more comfortable. This is a kid that really can utilize a deeper understanding of what we're doing because he can act on it. I think, probably as much as anything, he's helping other guys play better around him." - Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll on Wilson

"I've been working on my pass-catching. It was kind of hard, coming in a loss, but it's still a good milestone. That touchdown in that game didn't mean a whole lot, but hopefully there will be more in my career that I'll be able to celebrate." - Stacy, who scored his first career receiving TD in the loss to Carolina.


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