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**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:23 PM

NFL Week 14 opening line report: Should Jaguars be favorites?

Like dating a fat girl or singing along to Taylor Swift, setting the Jacksonville Jaguars as betting favorites is just something you don’t want to get caught doing.

Sportsbooks are avoiding that pitfall by tabbing the red-hot Jaguars as 2.5-point home underdogs Thursday, hosting the Houston Texans – perhaps the only NFL team worse than Jacksonville at this point.

However, one Las Vegas oddsmaker isn’t afraid to admit that the Jaguars should probably be home favorites over Houston which, despite a valiant effort versus New England Sunday, hasn’t won a game since Week 2.

“I had Jacksonville as a favorite,” admits Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service, The Sports Club. “We actually did send this game out as a pick’em, but Jacksonville has won three of their last four. Houston may have played well against New England but they’re not winning. Why would you want to bet on them? Jacksonville has nothing to lose. They’re playing very ‘loosey goosey’ right now.”

The Thursday Night Football spread wasn’t the only line Korner and his team of oddsmakers were torn on in Week 14. The Sports Club’s stable of linemakers also duked it out over the opening line for Oakland at New York and the Monday Night Football spread for Dallas at Chicago.

The Raiders opened as big as 2.5-point road underdogs in New York Sunday afternoon.

“I was the only one who favored Oakland,” says Korner, whose service sent out a suggested opening line of a pick’em. “For three games the Jets have had zero offense and now they’re pulling out quarterbacks and the fans are booing. Oakland is playing well. They aren’t getting blown out and regardless of whether (Matt) McGloin or (Terrellle) Pryor is playing, they’re the better team. I don’t see any momentum that would have money slammed down on the Jets.”

As for the Monday nighter, Korner says it may not matter – at least from a linemaking standpoint – if Bears starting QB Jay Cutler returns from an ankle injury or if backup Josh McCown continues to take snaps against Dallas in Week 14. The Sports Club settled on a suggested spread of Cowboys -2.5 and most books are waiting to hear more on Cutler’s status.

“I don’t think there’s much of a difference. Talent wise there is between Cutler and McCown, but I don’t think (Cutler being active) will cause a huge rush to the windows,” says Korner. “We like the way Dallas is playing right now, going 5-2 in their last seven. They’re playing with a lot of momentum. Cutler in or not, Dallas is the better team and we’d much rather be rooting for them Monday night.”

Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins (+3, 46)

The shine is off the Chiefs, who have dropped three in a row and find themselves as mere field-goal favorites visiting the lowly Redskins in Week 14.

“They’ve lost their luster,” Korner says of the Chiefs’ skid. “They’re back to where they’re supposed to be. This isn’t an all-time great team, especially with Alex Smith at quarterback. He has a track record of trailing off and Kansas City is starting to trail off. But Kansas City is the stronger team. Washington has looked pitiful and (Robert) Griffin is playing hurt and he’s… well let’s just say this ain’t last year.”

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5, 54.5)

Korner says this line is almost a mirror image of the Cardinals-Eagles line from this past Sunday. Arizona may have had the better defense, but Detroit has the better offense this time around, making the process very similar for the oddsmakers.

“It’s basically the same game,” he says. “It should be a close game and the line is pretty much home field. Of course, the total is much higher.”

“We opened 52 and thought about going higher, but now we’re getting into the weather and it looks like it will be cold with possible storms hitting that part of the country," notes Korner.

The Sports Club sent out a suggested opening total of 52 points, however, books opened as large as 54.5 points. The forecast for Philadelphia is calling for temperatures in the mid 30s and a chance of snow.

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:23 PM

NFL line watch: Titans backers should act fast

Spread to bet now

Tennessee Titans (+13.5) at Denver Broncos

If you like the Titans to keep this one close, then I'd recommend jumping on this line as fast as possible. While you can still get a 13.5 at 5Dimes as of printing, for the most part 12 is the predominating number across the board. It's likely to drop even lower.

Tennessee is coming off a hard-fought 22-14 loss in Indianapolis last week and catches a somewhat complacent home side coming off its second victory of the season over division rival Kansas City. As good as Denver is, there is no question that this sets up as a natural "letdown/trap" game for the Broncos, with a contest vs. division rival San Diego next week.

While the Titans have struggled for bettors at home this year, they've been a non-stop profit buffet on the road all season, going a near-perfect 5-1 ATS so far. Expect this line to continue to drop as the week wares on.

Spread to wait on

St. Louis Rams (+6) at Arizona Cardinals

Divisional contests at this time of year are always important. If you think the Rams can bounce back from their 23-13 setback at San Francisco last week and hand the Cardinals a second-straight loss, I'd recommend waiting a bit closer to kick-off before getting involved with this one.

This line opened at 6 and while that is pretty much the predominating number across the board as of printing, there is a 6.5 (Pinnacle) and even a 7 (5Dimes) available right now as well. I think this number could go even higher. Bettors are jumping on Arizona as it looks to bounce back from its first loss in four games and to avenge a 27-24 setback in St. Louis in Week 1.

With two straight on the road, including a game in Seattle on December 22nd, this contest takes on added importance for the home side. Expect this line to continue to climb as we get closer to kickoff.

Total to watch

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (50.5)

Once again we look to the Denver Broncos for this week's total to watch. Denver has seen the total go 10-2 this year, 5-1 at home and 5-1 on the road.

As mentioned above, the Broncos most recently beat the Chiefs for a second time in the last three weeks, a 35-28 barn-burner, the total sailing above the posted number of 49.5 in that one.This total opened at 50.5, but is already starting to drop, with 50's and even a 49.5 on the board as of printing (5Dimes).

Tennessee has seen the total go 2-3-1 on the road so far this year. If you're planning no playing the "under", consider getting involved as soon as possible.

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:24 PM

Where the action is: NFL mid-week line moves

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars – Open: +2.5, Move: +3

The Thursday nighter is probably the worst game of the season, but there’s a reason we have pointspreads. According to Black, action on Houston is outnumbering money on Jacksonville at a 2/1 pace, pushing this line to the key number of Texans -3. However, moneyline bettors are siding with the home side.

“I can see this one coming back to Jacksonville as I think many can,” says Black. “The action across the board, at what appears to be Houston with all shops, just seems the wrong way. I expect that Jacksonville will get played sometime today or later tonight and the line comes back to them, given the course these two teams are taking this season. Around pick’em would appear fair, so value looks to be with the Jags but ATS action so far disagrees.”

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Open: -4, Move: -3

The Saints were exposed by the Seahawks in Seattle but travel back to the Big Easy for this NFC South showdown. Sharp money is siding with the red-hot Panthers, who have won eight in a row and are 7-1 ATS in the stretch.

“Where this line will land remains to be seen, as it’s pretty much a heavy-juiced New Orleans -3, which could easily flip back to -3.5,” says Black. “It’s a case of where books lie on the numbers taken, giving +3.5 or +4 and taking a lot of -3 action with a low total for a Superdome game. It could land a lot of books, like us, in the bad spot of being sided.”

Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens – Open: -7.5, Move: -6.5

This line has moved to the key number of seven since the Vikings settled on Matt Cassel as their starter for Sunday, with some books going as low as Minnesota +6.5. The Vikings have been fighting, going 2-0 ATS after two overtime affairs.

“It isn’t the most normal line movement for when a starting quarterback is out and a ‘backup’ - as no one can really say who the backup is anymore in Minnesota - is named starter. It usually goes to the opposing team. Action hasn’t flooded in, but we have seen Minnesota action that others must be seeing as well, if we are all juicing the Vikings +7 now. I think this will come back to Baltimore, but the seven should remain.”

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:24 PM

Capping the calendar: December's best/worst NFL bets

And down the stretch they come.

With December upon us, the 2013 NFL season heads in to the final quarter of the season and with it our final take on monthly teams trends.

Please note that all trends are ATS (Against The Spread) unless noted otherwise. Enjoy…

HOME TEAMS

• Good: Whether Seattle had a good team or a not so good team, they always are tough to beat at home. This is true in December as well at 31-15 ATS. Besides the big Monday night battle with New Orleans, their final two games of the season are at Century Link Field against Arizona and St. Louis.

• Keep an eye on (Good): Aaron Rodgers is expected to return and Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy has stated his team needs a 4-0 finish to have a shot at the playoffs. At home this month, the Packers are 30-16 ATS and Atlanta along with Pittsburgh will visit, giving them two shots at covers.

• Keep an eye on (Bad): Large group to keep an eye on here. St. Louis is 16-26 ATS and will have NFC South teams New Orleans and Tampa Bay in weeks 15-16.

The New York Jets slate of Miami, Oakland and Cleveland is not necessarily foreboding, but the offense is sure to have coal left in the stocking of the quarterback position. Gang Green is 16-30 ATS in New Jersey.

New Orleans is 18-32 ATS at home and at least part of this in recent years is they have wrapped up the division late in the season and are playing backups. Before Drew Brees and Sean Payton, they just stunk.

Oakland has been a play against home team no matter the month for years and facing Kansas City and Denver is not likely to improve their chances.

AWAY TEAMS

• Good: The hottest team in the NFL, Carolina, has been road warriors for years and is a sensational 24-12 ATS in the final month of the year. The Panthers have a HUGE game at New Orleans on Dec. 8 and end the season at hapless Atlanta.

• Bad: This flies under the radar unless you are sharp handicapper or a Bears fan. Chicago is Grinch-like 11-32 ATS in road games, stealing money from its followers and makes trips to Cleveland and Philadelphia in consecutive weeks. Wonder what those in Whoville will be thinking?

Before Jim Harbaugh arrived, San Francisco was ripe play against material late in the season, accounting for their 16-32 ATS figure. They will go to Tampa Bay and Arizona to improve that number.

• Keep an eye on (Bad): Like cold weather in the Midwest and East this time of year, Dallas struggling on the road fits the season. The Cowboys are 19-32 ATS away and will be in the Windy City for a Monday night affair and at the hated Redskins just before Christmas, trying to win a division title.

FAVORITES

• Bad: The weather might be nice in South Florida, but the Miami Dolphins are scarier than room full of Santa Clauses when doling out points. The Fins are a miserable 20-41 ATS as favs. Two contests to possibly be careful of the Dolphins are Week 16 at Buffalo and the season finale versus the Jets.

• Keep an eye on (Good): Green Bay is a fantastic 44-23 in December and if Rodgers stays healthy, they will be favored in their two home games. But with how unsightly the defense has become, little chance they will be a favorite at Dallas or Chicago.

• Keep an eye on (Bad): We won’t know for sure, but Dallas could be favored as many as three times this month and conceivably four if the public likes them against the Bears. At 18-33 ATS, it might be wise to find another team to consider for this role. Note: Tony Romo is 4-14 ATS as a favorite during December in his NFL career.

The New York Jets will be handing out points to Oakland and Cleveland, but with their quarterback situation and a 14-26 ATS mark, this might be harder to swallow than Aunt Margaret’s fruitcake.

UNDERDOGS

• Good: With Carolina being such a good wager on the road, naturally they would be a Play On underdog. However, with this year’s team, fewer opportunities will be available and just the Dec. 8th matchup at New Orleans should place them in this role.

Besides Carolina, Seattle also fits the bill and they are 39-19 ATS on the receiving end of digits and they might see only one or two points at San Francisco on the second Sunday of the month.

• Bad: With how bad the Chicago Bears defense is in 2013, they should be a frequent underdog in December and could well add onto an abysmal 16-34 ATS mark.

• Keep an eye on (Good): New England is 21-11 ATS in the underdog role and only a trip Baltimore could place them in that position this month.

The New York Giants are notorious closers and are a sparkling 31-18 ATS as a pooch. This year’s team lacks the same qualities of more recent vintage and they might be hard-pressed to match previous levels at San Diego, vs. Seattle and at Detroit in the middle games of the month.

• Keep an eye on (Bad): St. Louis in November showed signs of improvement, but with three division road games and hosting New Orleans, hard to imagine they will improve as underdogs at 19-33 ATS.

DIVISION

• Good: No team in any month can match Carolina’s 23-8 ATS record versus division opponents and they will have four shots against their rivals to close 2013.

New England is also very good at 28-14 ATS, being the dominant team for more than a decade in the AFC East. The Patriots will be at Miami on the 15th and host Buffalo in the final game of the season.

• Keep an eye on (Bad): Starting the month as part of a large group of 5-6 teams with a chance to be a wild card club, Miami will play in division four times and with how the Jets and Buffalo are playing, the Dolphins could make a move. They will have to overcome the ghosts of December past with a 16-31 ATS mark.

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:24 PM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 14

Houston at Jacksonville
The Jaguars host a Houston team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games as a favorite. Jacksonville is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Jaguars favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

Game 101-102: Houston at Jacksonville (8:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 121.312; Jacksonville 127.865
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 6 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Houston by 3; 43
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+3); Over

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Game 131-132: Kansas City at Washington (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 135.113; Washington 127.785
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 6 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-3); Under

Game 133-134: Minnesota at Baltimore (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 124.379; Baltimore 137.418
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 13; 46
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 6 1/2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-6 1/2); Over

Game 135-136: Cleveland at New England (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 127.758; New England 135.820
Dunkel Line: New England by 8; 42
Vegas Line: New England by 10 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+10 1/2); Under

Game 137-138: Oakland at NY Jets (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 125.715; NY Jets 123.904
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 46
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 3; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+3); Over

Game 139-140: Indianapolis at Cincinnati (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 126.708; Cincinnati 140.589
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 14; 40
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5 1/2); Under

Game 141-142: Carolina at New Orleans (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 139.360; New Orleans 144.250
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5; 52
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Over

Game 143-144: Detroit at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 134.522; Philadelphia 134.611
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3; 54
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3); Under

Game 145-146: Miami at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 130.601; Pittsburgh 138.188
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 3; 41
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-3); Under

Game 147-148: Buffalo at Tampa Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 129.252; Tampa Bay 129.314
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 43
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3); Over

Game 149-150: Tennessee at Denver (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 127.635; Denver 137.520
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10; 47
Vegas Line: Denver by 13; 50
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+13); Under

Game 151-152: St. Louis at Arizona (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 131.836; Arizona 138.879
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 9; 46
Vegas Line: Arizona by 6; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-6); Over

Game 153-154: NY Giants at San Diego (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 131.716; San Diego 132.549
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 53
Vegas Line: San Diego by 3 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+3 1/2); Over

Game 155-156: Seattle at San Francisco (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 137.792; San Francisco 144.849
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 7; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+2 1/2); Under

Game 157-158: Atlanta at Green Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 126.179; Green Bay 125.249
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 36
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9

Game 159-160: Dallas at Chicago (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 131.957; Chicago 129.960
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 2; 54
Vegas Line: Chicago by 1; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+1); Over

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:25 PM

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 14

Thursday, December 5

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HOUSTON (2 - 10) at JACKSONVILLE (3 - 9) - 12/5/2013, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.
JACKSONVILLE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

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Sunday, December 8

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KANSAS CITY (9 - 3) at WASHINGTON (3 - 9) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) in home games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) in home games 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.

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MINNESOTA (3 - 8 - 1) at BALTIMORE (6 - 6) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
BALTIMORE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games against NFC North division opponents since 1992.

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

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CLEVELAND (4 - 8) at NEW ENGLAND (9 - 3) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 157-118 ATS (+27.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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OAKLAND (4 - 8) at NY JETS (5 - 7) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 37-69 ATS (-38.9 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) in December games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 33-68 ATS (-41.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
OAKLAND is 18-37 ATS (-22.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1992.
OAKLAND is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
NY JETS are 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
NY JETS are 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) in home games in December games since 1992.

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

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INDIANAPOLIS (8 - 4) at CINCINNATI (8 - 4) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CAROLINA (9 - 3) at NEW ORLEANS (9 - 3) - 12/8/2013, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 45 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 58-37 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 50-25 ATS (+22.5 Units) in December games since 1992.
CAROLINA is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-46 ATS (-25.6 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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DETROIT (7 - 5) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 5) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MIAMI (6 - 6) at PITTSBURGH (5 - 7) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BUFFALO (4 - 8) at TAMPA BAY (3 - 9) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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TENNESSEE (5 - 7) at DENVER (10 - 2) - 12/8/2013, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ST LOUIS (5 - 7) at ARIZONA (7 - 5) - 12/8/2013, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 36-55 ATS (-24.5 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 96-132 ATS (-49.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 103-135 ATS (-45.5 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

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

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NY GIANTS (5 - 7) at SAN DIEGO (5 - 7) - 12/8/2013, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 49-28 ATS (+18.2 Units) in road games off a division game since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.

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

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SEATTLE (11 - 1) at SAN FRANCISCO (8 - 4) - 12/8/2013, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ATLANTA (3 - 9) at GREEN BAY (5 - 6 - 1) - 12/8/2013, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Monday, December 9

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DALLAS (7 - 5) at CHICAGO (6 - 6) - 12/9/2013, 8:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 31-51 ATS (-25.1 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
CHICAGO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
CHICAGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
CHICAGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:26 PM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 14

Thursday, December 5

Houston at Jacksonville, 8:40 ET
Houston: 6-0 ATS after allowing 6 or more yards/play in their previous game
Jacksonvile: 2-10 ATS in home games in games played on a grass field

Sunday, December 8

Kansas City at Washington, 1:00 ET
Kansas City: 12-2 ATS after allowing 25 points or more in 3 straight games
Washington: 1-8 ATS as an underdog

Minnesota at Baltimore, 1:00 ET
Minnesota: 4-18 ATS in road games after a win by 3 or less points
Baltimore: 7-0 ATS in home games against NFC North division opponents

Cleveland at New England, 1:00 ET
Cleveland: 19-34 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6
New England: 33-18 ATS after allowing 30 points or more last game

Oakland at NY Jets, 1:00 ET
Oakland: 7-19 ATS in road games after covering the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6
NY Jets: 17-4 ATS in home games off a home loss

Indianapolis at Cincinnati, 1:00 ET
Indianapolis: 9-1 ATS in December games
Cincinnati: 11-3 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Carolina at New Orleans, 8:30 ET
Carolina: 7-0 ATS as a road underdog of 7 points or less
New Orleans: 25-46 ATS in home games versus division opponents

Detroit at Philadelphia, 1:00 ET
Detroit: Detroit 15-2 OVER after a win by 21 or more points
Philadelphia: 5-15 ATS after playing a game at home

Miami at Pittsburgh, 1:00 ET
Miami: 31-49 ATS after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better
Pittsburgh: 13-3 ATS in home games after covering the spread in 4 out of their last 5

Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 1:00 ET
Buffalo: 14-4 ATS in road games after failing to cover the spread in 4 out of their last 5
Tampa Bay: 3-13 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders

Tennessee at Denver, 4:05 ET
Tennessee: 8-1 OVER after scoring 14 points or less last game
Denver: 15-4 ATS in games played on a grass field

St Louis at Arizona, 4:25 ET
St Louis: 9-22 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7
Arizona: 25-12 ATS in home games after a loss by 6 or less points

NY Giants at San Diego, 4:25 ET
NY Giants: 26-12 ATS in road games after having won 3 out of their last 4
San Diego: 23-9 UNDER as a home favorite of 3 points or less

Seattle at San Francisco, 4:25 ET
Seattle: 5-18 ATS off a home blowout win by 21 points or more
San Francisco: 9-2 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders

Atlanta at Green Bay, 4:25 ET
Atlanta: 1-6 ATS after having lost 2 out of their last 3 games
Green Bay: 52-29 ATS in the last 4 weeks of the regular season

Mon, Dec. 9

Dallas at Chicago, 8:40 ET
Dallas: 56-36 UNDER in road games in the second half of the season
Chicago: 1-8 ATS against conference opponentsouble digit favorite

**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:27 PM

NFL

Week 14

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Trend Report
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Thursday, December 5

8:25 PM
HOUSTON vs. JACKSONVILLE
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Jacksonville
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Jacksonville is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
Jacksonville is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston

Sunday, December 8

1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indianapolis's last 9 games on the road
Indianapolis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Indianapolis
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Indianapolis

1:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NEW ENGLAND
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New England
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New England's last 5 games when playing Cleveland

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. PITTSBURGH
Miami is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Miami is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 16 games at home

1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BALTIMORE
Minnesota is 3-9-1 SU in its last 13 games ,
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 8 games at home

1:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. TAMPA BAY
Buffalo is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Buffalo
Tampa Bay is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home

1:00 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. WASHINGTON
Kansas City is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Kansas City's last 20 games
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:00 PM
DETROIT vs. PHILADELPHIA
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. GREEN BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Green Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Green Bay is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Green Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

1:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. NY JETS
Oakland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Jets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Jets last 6 games when playing Oakland
NY Jets are 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when playing Oakland

4:05 PM
TENNESSEE vs. DENVER
Tennessee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Tennessee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Denver is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tennessee

4:25 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Francisco's last 12 games at home
San Francisco18-5-1 SU in its last 24 games at home

4:25 PM
NY GIANTS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Giants are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Giants last 6 games
San Diego is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
San Diego is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home

4:25 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis

8:30 PM
CAROLINA vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Carolina

Monday, December 9

8:40 PM
DALLAS vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 12-04-2013, 11:29 PM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 14

Thursday's games

Texans (2-10) @ Jaguars (3-9)—Jax won three of last four games after an 0-8 start, but all three wins were on road; they upset Texans 29-27 (+11) for their first win in Week 10, recovering three Houston fumbles (+2 turnovers) in game where Texans converted 10-18 on 3rd down and were outgained by 148 yards. Jaguars won field position battle in last six games (+8 vs Texans) after losing it in first six; they’re 0-5 at home, with 27-14 loss to Arizona closest of five games. Houston lost its last 10 games, despite scoring 23+ points in four of last five; they’re 2-9-1 vs spread this year, 0-6 when favored. Texans lost last four road games after winning season opener at San Diego by a FG. Texans won five of last six series games, winning 24-14/27-7 in last two visits here. Series was swept in six of last nine years. Jags were -9 in turnovers their first five games; they’re +3 in last seven- road team covered their last seven games. Home teams are 1-5-1 vs spread in AFC South divisional games. Four of last five Houston games, six of last eight Jaguar games went over the total.

NFL

Thursday, December 5

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NFL Thursday Night Football betting: Texans at Jaguars
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Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3, 43)

The Houston Texans' franchise-record losing streak is up to 10 games, and even Thursday's trip to Jacksonville no longer seems like an easy win for the defending AFC South champions. The Texans let one slip away Sunday, falling 34-31 to visiting New England after leading by 10 at halftime and being up by three in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville rallied for a 32-28 win at Cleveland last week, its third win in the last four games after dropping eight straight to start the season.

While the Texans are playing their way into contention for the top pick in next year's draft - they own the league's worst record at 2-10 - the Jaguars' chances of picking first are fading, as they're one of four teams at 3-9. Jacksonville has yet to win in front of its home crowd but has three straight games to try and change that, with Buffalo and Tennessee visiting the next two weeks. "We don't look ahead much, but I said, 'We have a great opportunity with three (home) games in a row,' " Jaguars coach Gus Bradley told the team's website. "It doesn't make it any more important than an away game, but it is special to play at home."

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high 60s with a 14 percent chance of rain and winds blowing SE from corner to corner at 5 mph.

LINE: Houston opened at -2.5 and has been bet up to the key number of -3. The total has jumped to 43.5 at some markets.

POWER RANKINGS: Texans (+6.0) - Jaguars (+6.5) + Home Field (-3.0) = Jaguars -2.5

ABOUT THE TEXANS (2-10, 3-9 ATS): Houston did a lot of things right against the Patriots, including rushing for a franchise-record four touchdowns and scoring TDs on all three of its trips to the red zone. Quarterback Case Keenum has played fairly well despite being winless in six starts, passing for 1,433 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions, and the ground game continues to produce even with Arian Foster on injured reserve following back surgery. Statistically, the Texans should be better than their 2-10 record - they rank 10th in total offense and third in total defense - but a minus-12 turnover margin contributes to their ranking 29th in scoring offense and 27th in scoring defense.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (3-9, 4-8 ATS): Jacksonville aims for its first three-game winning streak since 2010 as the league's last-ranked offense has shown signs of life recently. Chad Henne has taken over the starting quarterback job for the remainder of the season and led the Jaguars on an 80-yard drive for the winning score against the Browns. The defense still ranks 30th in scoring and 25th in total yards but turned in a dominant performance in a 13-6 win at Houston two weeks ago.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Jacksonville.
* Road team is 4-0-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Jaguars are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Jacksonville has recorded eight takeaways in the last four games, matching the total from its first eight contests.

2. Houston WR Andre Johnson has 49 career 100-yard receiving games and has caught a pass in 113 consecutive contests.

3. The Jaguars have topped 100 yards rushing in two straight games after failing to do so in their first 10.

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**Udog** · 12-05-2013, 10:47 AM

Four NFL teams tempted to tank down the home stretch

The 2014 NFL Draft is an interesting one. It will likely feature several top-tier quarterback prospects and have multiple teams aiming to improve their QB position.

With the final four weeks of the NFL season ahead, some players are playing for their coaches and their jobs while a few teams are looking ahead to which draft stud is going to save their team next season. Bettors should be weary of these four NFL teams tempted to tank in the home stretch of the NFL schedule:

Cleveland Browns (4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

After trading Trent Richardson for a first-round draft pick, the Browns have made it clear they’re building a team for the future. While Brian Hoyer showed he can manage the offense if healthy, Brandon Weeden is a bust and this team needs a legitimate quarterback to go with emerging WR Josh Gordon.

The Browns have a perfect excuse for tanking, with three of their final four games on the road, including a trip to New England Sunday. Cleveland is 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road this season.

Houston Texans (2-10 SU, 3-9 ATS)

The Texans find a central problem in their sub-par quarterback play. Despite how well Case Keenum performs, if the Texans draft first overall, taking either Teddy Bridgewater or Jadeveon Clowney is a win-win scenario.

The Texans visit Jacksonville as 3-point road favorites Thursday, facing a team that has won two of its last three. That’s one of three road stops in the final four weeks for Houston, which plays at Indianapolis, back home versus Denver, and at Tennessee to close out the schedule. Stick a fork in them.

Minnesota Vikings (3-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

A lot of questions remain on the status of head coach Leslie Frazier. While Frazier isn’t at fault for selecting Christian Ponder 12th overall in 2011, he is to blame for Josh Freeman. Ponder is out and it's obvious the Vikings’ quarterback dilemma won't end soon.

Minnesota meets the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens as a 7-point road underdog Sunday. The Vikings do have two home games remaining on the schedule and can throw a wrinkle in a few playoff races, with Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Detroit on deck. Word out of the Twin Cities is that players aren’t quitting on their coach, evidenced by a tie in Green Bay and an OT win over Chicago. It seems Minnesota can't even get tanking right.

Atlanta Falcons (3-9 SU, 4-8 ATS)

The Falcons have been a team plagued with ailments throughout 2013. Injuries to their star receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones have taken away the offensive threat and the need to use the short field is a huge reason why Atlanta has been so bad in the red zone.

For Atlanta, a healthy roster is a good one and it should at least get something out of this disaster of a season, in terms of draft position. The Falcons are waiting on Aaron Rodgers’ status for Sunday’s game in Green Bay, then have a home date with Washington next week and two tough games at San Francisco and at home to Carolina to wrap up a forgettable 2013.

**Udog** · 12-05-2013, 12:54 PM

Where the action is: Bettors like Texans, Over

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Open: +2.5, Move: +3.5

The Jaguars are suddenly on a hot-streak as they've won three of their last four games overall and are 3-1 ATS over that stretch. Still, these teams are as bad as it gets in the grand scheme of things and have a combined record of 5-19.

As awful as the Texans have been, sportsbooks began writing Texans tickets as soon as lines became available.

"Early action has come in on Texans and we went to -2.5 (-115), then -2.5 (-120) and then we booked sharp action on the Texans, pushing us to that very key number of 3," Stewart tells Covers. "Last night we went to -3.5 (-105) /+3.5 (-115) and at that number we’ve booked two-way action."

Even though the Jags are hot, all three of their wins have come on the road and EverBank Field does not really strike fear into visitors.

"No question I believe we opened this game a bit short," says Stewart. "The Jags have no real home-field advantage and while they have the better overall record and ATS record, the Texans are still looked up by the betting public as the vastly superior team. So far 60 percent of the action is on the Texans."

The majority of wagering outlets opened the total at 43 and bettors have been backing the Over all week. The number has gone up slightly and Stewart believes it could move a bit more as kickoff approaches.

"As for the total, we opened 43 and pretty much all the early money was on the over," he says. "We went to 43.5 Wednesday morning and we’ve been dealing that total since. Nearly 75 percent of the money is on the over and I wouldn’t be surprised if we pushed it a tick higher to 44 as we get closer to game time."

**Udog** · 12-05-2013, 02:56 PM

NFL

Thursday, December 5

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Tale of the Tape: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
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The "battle" for the top pick in next year's NFL draft takes center stage Thursday night when the Houston Texans visit the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston has the upper hand in the race for the No. 1 selection, losers of 10 consecutive games and owners of the worst record in the league. Jacksonville is marginally better at 3-9, but has won two straight games and three of its last four - including a 13-6 triumph over the Texans on Nov. 24.

Check out the matchup in our betting tale of the tape:

Offense

Despite being on a miserable losing skid, the Texans have actually been moderately productive on offense. The Texans come into Week 14 having generated the 10th-highest yardage total in the NFL (4,383), including an average of 248.5 passing yards. The rushing game has remained decent despite the absence of Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster, sitting 14th in the league in yardage (1,401) with six touchdowns - three of which were scored by Ben Tate last weekend.

The Jaguars have been a mess on offense, failing to sustain drives while dealing with an injury to starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert and a suspension to star-wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Jacksonville ranks 23rd in passing yardage, with just eight touchdowns through the air and 17 touchdowns - tied for the second-most in the league. The run game has been an abomination, racking up just 847 total yards on three yards per carry with seven touchdowns.

Edge: Houston

Defense

The Texans' defensive statistics against the pass are positively mind-boggling. While Houston has allowed just 2,255 yards through the air - the second-fewest next to Seattle - it has surrendered 20 touchdowns while snagging a league-low five interceptions and registering a paltry 28 sacks. Houston has struggled against the run so far this season, allowing the 13th-most yards (1,392) while surrendering 4.1 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

As with the offense, Jacksonville's defense has been tormented all season long. The Jaguars have surrendered 3,008 passing yards - 10th-most in the NFL - while giving up 23 touchdowns through the air against just seven interceptions. Jacksonville's 20 sacks are the fewest in the league through the first 12 games of the campaign, and they've permitted the fourth-most rushing yards (1,565) and second-most rushing touchdowns (16) to date.

Edge: Houston

Special Teams

Houston has had a strong kick return game so far in 2013, averaging the eighth-most yards per kickoff return (25.1) while ranking 23rd in punt-return average (8.1) but having recorded an 87-yard punt-return touchdown. The Texans have also allowed a punt-return score, while giving up the fourth-most average kickoff return yards (26). Kicker Randy Bullock has had one of the roughest seasons of anyone in his profession, missing on nine of his 29 field-goal tries.

Jacksonville is elite on kickoff returns - averaging 25.8 yards per attempt - but downright putrid when it comes to punt returns, managing a league-low 4.3 yards per attempt. Opposing teams have struggled against the Jaguars' special teams defense, averaging just 21.6 yards per kickoff return and 7.5 yards per punt return. Veteran kicker Josh Scobee hasn't been busy, but he has been solid when called upon, converting 17-of-19 field-goal opportunities.

Edge: Jacksonville

Notable Quotable

"It's a challenging day. I'm used to seeing competition and who's fighting for the ball and all that, and we've had to tone it back with no pads. it's been a challenge, but it's the right thing to do." - Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley on electing to have his players practice without pads for the short week

"We struggled to get the ball to anybody that day, it wasn't just Andre. We just really struggled in the passing game to execute and they did a great job against us, especially up front. I can say it just wasn't a very good performance on our part, it wasn't just about Andre." - Texans head coach Gary Kubiak on receiver Andre Johnson's struggles in the previous game against the Jaguars

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**jt4545** · 12-05-2013, 04:09 PM

Again good luck and thanks

**Udog** · 12-06-2013, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by jt4545 View Post

Again good luck and thanks

Good morning, jt! I hope you had a good night. I made one play and it lost.

Man, do we have ice and snow this morning! I'm about 50 miles NE of Kaptain and I understand his area got a lot more ice than we did. I hope he has power today!

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 14 (Thursday, December 5 - Monday, December 9)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 14 (Thursday, December 5 - Monday, December 9)

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