NFL Trends and Indexes - Division Round (Saturday,January 11 - Sunday, January 12)

[Udog]

NFL injury report: Four injuries undervalued by oddsmakers

The NFL playoffs are in the second round as teams move closer towards making the Superbowl. Here are some notable injuries that may have an impact on the scoreboard.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints (Chest, Questionable)

The Saints beat the Eagles last week on the road without Thomas by dominating the time of possession 34:53 to the Eagles 25:07. The high scoring Saints put up 249 passing yards and 185 rushing. New Orleans faced a defense ranked 29th in total yards allowed and dead-last in average passing yards allowed a game. In the second round, New Orleans travels to Seattle and face a defense ranked first in scoring points, yards allowed and against the pass. The Seahawks rank seventh against the rush. The presence of Thomas will be missed against the only area that hasn’t been completely perfect for the Seahawks.

The Saints are 8-point road underdogs against the Seahawks. The total is 46.


Aaron Dobson, WR, New England Patriots (Foot, Questionable)

The New England Patriots are coming off an extra week of rest after securing the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a 12-4-0 record. The Patriots ended their regular season campaign with a +9 turnover ratio and the third most points scored averaging 27.8 a game. The Patriots are ranked no worse than 10th offensively and have put up a great season despite players battling serious injuries. This week is no different for the Patriots with both rookie wide receivers listed as questionable (Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins). Both rookies are tied for second on the team in touchdowns (4) and are ranked fifth and sixth respectively in receptions and have accumulated over 450 yards each.

The Patriots are 7-point home favorites against Indianapolis. The total is 51.5.


Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers (Knee, Questionable)

The Panthers have been fantastic defensively all season and the team’s +11 turnover ratio is a huge reason why they locked up a first round bye. Despite his age, Smith has proven once again that he’s capable of being a high-impact wide receiver. Over 15 regular season games Smith had 64 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns, ranking him second on the team in receptions, total yards, and touchdowns. Carolina will be missing their star player and motivator Saturday hosting a 49ers team coming off a high defeating Green Bay on the road.

The Panthers are 1-point home favorite over San Francisco. The total is 42.


Eric Weddle, S, San Diego Chargers (Hamstring, Questionable)

The Chargers travel to Denver facing a Broncos team ranked first in points scored, passing yards and total yards. Safety Eric Weddle leads the Chargers in combined tackles with 115 and interceptions with two. The Chargers weakness of pressuring the quarterback and getting sacks may come back to haunt them against a Broncos team who has 75 percent of their offensive touchdowns coming through the air (55/73). Even though the Chargers and Broncos split their regular season series win total, oddsmakers don’t feel the post-season match up will be close.

The Chargers are 9-point road underdogs against the Broncos. The total is 54.5.

[Udog]

Trends - New Orleans at Seattle

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

New Orleans

Saints are 23-11 ATS in their last 34 games on fieldturf.
Saints are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games in January.
Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Saints are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Saints are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.

Seattle

Seahawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Seahawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 14 points.
Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Seahawks are 12-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff home games.
Seahawks are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Seahawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Seahawks are 25-9 ATS in their last 34 games on fieldturf.
Seahawks are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 vs. NFC.
Seahawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 playoff games.
Seahawks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Seahawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in January.
Seahawks are 37-17-1 ATS in their last 55 home games.
Seahawks are 35-17-1 ATS in their last 53 games overall.


OU Trends

New Orleans

Under is 5-0 in Saints last 5 road games.
Over is 3-0-1 in Saints last 4 Divisional Playoffs games.
Under is 5-0 in Saints last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 5-0 in Saints last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 7-1 in Saints last 8 games overall.
Under is 7-1 in Saints last 8 vs. NFC.
Over is 4-1 in Saints last 5 Saturday games.
Over is 8-2-1 in Saints last 11 playoff games.
Over is 4-1 in Saints last 5 games in January.
Under is 4-1 in Saints last 5 games on fieldturf.
Over is 10-4 in Saints last 14 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 42-20-1 in Saints last 63 games following a ATS win.

Seattle

Under is 5-0 in Seahawks last 5 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Seahawks last 4 Divisional Playoffs games.
Under is 4-0 in Seahawks last 4 games on fieldturf.
Under is 5-0 in Seahawks last 5 vs. NFC.
Under is 4-0 in Seahawks last 4 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-0 in Seahawks last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-1 in Seahawks last 7 playoff games.
Under is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games in January.
Over is 7-3 in Seahawks last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 7-3 in Seahawks last 10 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 17-8 in Seahawks last 25 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.


Head to Head

Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Saints are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Seattle.

[Udog]

Trends - Indianapolis at New England

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

Indianapolis

Colts are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
Colts are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Colts are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. AFC.
Colts are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Colts are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.
Colts are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Colts are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.
Colts are 23-11-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Colts are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in January.

New England

Patriots are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Patriots are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Patriots are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Patriots are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Patriots are 22-7-2 ATS in their last 31 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Patriots are 54-22-2 ATS in their last 78 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Patriots are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Patriots are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Patriots are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 playoff home games.
Patriots are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 playoff games.
Patriots are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.


OU Trends

Indianapolis

Under is 6-0 in Colts last 6 playoff road games.
Under is 7-1 in Colts last 8 Saturday games.
Over is 6-1 in Colts last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-1 in Colts last 5 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Colts last 5 Divisional Playoffs games.
Under is 4-1 in Colts last 5 games in January.
Under is 8-3 in Colts last 11 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.
Under is 13-5 in Colts last 18 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Colts last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 10-4 in Colts last 14 playoff games.
Over is 5-2 in Colts last 7 games following a ATS win.
Over is 5-2 in Colts last 7 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.
Under is 21-9 in Colts last 30 vs. AFC.
Under is 17-8 in Colts last 25 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

New England

Over is 3-0-1 in Patriots last 4 Divisional Playoffs games.
Over is 3-0-1 in Patriots last 4 Saturday games.
Over is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 home games.
Over is 13-3 in Patriots last 16 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Patriots last 9 games in January.
Over is 17-5 in Patriots last 22 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 13-5 in Patriots last 18 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Patriots last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 44-18-1 in Patriots last 63 games on fieldturf.
Over is 9-4 in Patriots last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 38-17 in Patriots last 55 vs. AFC.
Under is 13-6-1 in Patriots last 20 playoff home games.
Over is 49-23 in Patriots last 72 games overall.
Over is 40-19-2 in Patriots last 61 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.
Over is 48-23 in Patriots last 71 games following a ATS win.
Over is 37-18 in Patriots last 55 games following a S.U. win.


Head to Head

Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New England.
Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in New England.
Colts are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings.
Road team is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

[Udog]

Where the action is: Sunday's Divisional line moves

The second and final Divisional Round games are set to go Sunday. The NFC picture will be cleared up as the Carolina Panthers host the San Francisco 49ers. In the AFC, the San Diego Chargers will travel to Denver to face Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

We talk to oddsmakers about all of the betting action coming in on both of these postseason showdowns.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers - Open: Pick

Books opened this line anywhere from a Pick to Carolina +2.5. Most shops have seen each team spend a little time on either side of the Pick number throughout the week, and the line at most outlets is currently a Pick. The two teams met back in Week 10 with the Panthers prevailing by a score of 10-9.

"Balanced action from both sharps and public on this massive volume game," an oddsmaker from BetDSI tells Covers. "The line has moved all over the place with both teams spending time as the favorite and the dog during the week. Currently the line is sitting at a Pick with a small juice factor favoring the 49ers. That line will probably stay there barring any other strong moves from sharps or from overwhelming public volume come kick off."

The Total has been coming down since post, where most books opened it 43 or 43.5. Seeing as how the two teams combined for 19 points in Week 10, bettors are in love with the Under.

"We bumped this total down from 42 to 41.5 yesterday and I believe we won't have to move this total again as action at the 41.5 is absolutely dead even," said Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag.

"This will be biggest NFL decision of the weekend, as 80 percent of cash is on San Francisco and 59 percent of cash is on the Under," says Mike Perry of Sportsbook.ag.


San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - Open: -9.5, Move: -8.5

This will be the third time these two AFC West-rivals will square off this season. They split the first two meetings both SU and ATS, with both scorelines finishing under the closing total.

The majority of books opened this either Denver -9.5 or -10 but San Diego money has moved the line to a position where solid two-way action has been coming in.

"We are currently sitting at the -9 value on this game favoring the Broncos," says BetDSI's oddsmaker. "There is a distinct public vs. sharp split on this match up with sharp betting action backing the Chargers at the +9.5 number as well as the Chargers moneyline at the +350 value. Bet count favors the Broncos at this point, but money wagered actually is a small lean towards the Chargers on the strength of the larger unit plays from sharp players."

The early meetings between the two teams yielded Unders in both games and sharps backed the under as soon as the total was available.

"We went from 56 to 55, going to 55 on Tuesday as sharp money bet under 56 and 55.5," Stewart says. "Since going to 55 we've seen a lot more money come in on the over and I believe we'll be going back to 55.5 at some point later today, or very first thing tomorrow morning."

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, January 12

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49ers at Panthers: What bettors need to know
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San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (Pick, 41)

Two of the league's hottest teams will square off when the second-seeded Carolina Panthers host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with a berth in the NFC Championship Game at stake. It's a rematch of a Week 10 battle in San Francisco, a defensive duel in which the Panthers prevailed 10-9 as part of an eight-game winning streak and an 11-1 finish to close the regular season. The 49ers have ripped off seven consecutive victories and are seeking their third straight trip to the NFC title game.

Cam Newton, the top overall pick in the 2011 draft, has Carolina in the postseason for the first time in five years, but he has been overshadowed by fellow third-year Colin Kaepernick. San Francisco advanced to the Super Bowl last season behind Kaepernick, who had the worst game of his pro career against the Panthers in November. "They got us the first time," 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman said. "What’s on our minds is to get them now. It’s the playoffs. Win or go home."

TV: 1:05 p.m., Fox.

LINE: This game opened as a Pick. The total has dropped to 41 from the opening 43.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at 6 mph.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (13-4): Wide receiver Michael Crabtree missed the first matchup against Carolina while recovering from surgery on his Achilles' tendon, but he offered a reminded of what an impact player he can be with eight catches for 125 yards in last week's 23-20 win at frigid Green Bay. Tight end Vernon Davis also was a non-factor in the earlier meeting after suffering a second-quarter concussion, but he reeled in a 28-yard scoring pass last week for his sixth TD reception in six postseason games. Having the duo on the field should make life easier for running back Frank Gore and Kaepernick, who was held to 91 yards passing by the Panthers. The 49ers have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season, but are giving up an average of 21.3 points in the last three games after holding nine of the previous 11 opponents to 17 points or fewer.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (12-4): Newton threw for his lowest yardage total (3,379) in his three seasons but established career highs in touchdowns (24) and completion percentage (61.7) while showing his mettle at crunch time by directing four game-winning drives. Newton is also an integral part of a running game that features DeAngelo Williams as well as contributions from Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart, who expects to play for the first time in a month. A major concern is the status of veteran wide receiver Steve Smith's sprained left knee, with Panthers coach Ron Rivera admitting after Thursday's practice that Smith was not his "normal self." These is little concern over a defense - led by Greg Hardy, Charles Johnson and tackling machine Luke Kuechly - that registered a league-high 60 sacks and allowed the second-fewest points per game (15.1).

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Carolina.
* 49ers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
* 49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five Divisional Playoffs games.
* Panthers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Panthers are 7-1 at home, with the only loss coming to Seattle 12-7 in Week 1.

2. Crabtree has 28 catches and three touchdowns in his last four postseason games.

3. Kaepernick has 362 rushing yards in four playoff games for San Francisco, which can tie Pittsburgh for the most championship game appearances (15) since 1970 with a win.


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NFL

Sunday, January 12

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Divisional Round Tale of the Tape: 49ers at Panthers
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The Panthers host the 49ers in a rematch of the regular season defensive battle where the Panthers came out on top 10-9.

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

Offense

The 49ers are coming off a victory on the road against Green Bay in the Wild Card round. The 49ers finished the regular season ranked third in rushing yards averaging 137.6 and 11th in points scored with 25.4 (11th). Quarterback Colin Kaepernick completed 243-of-416 passes with a 58.4 percent completion percentage and had 21 TDs and eight INTs. The 49ers showed continued success rushing the ball into the postseason, putting up 167 yards last week. Colin Kaepernick had 227 yards and completed 16 of his 30 attempted passes (53.3 percent). Kaepernick was the leading rusher with 98 yards on seven attempts with a long of 42 yards.

The Panthers offense have shown great ability to rush the ball as well averaging 126.6 yards per game. The Panthers have completed 44 percent of their third down conversion attempts (91-for-208) and 77 percent of fourth down attempts (10-for-13). DeAngelo Williams has been the Panthers leading rusher with 201 attempts for 843 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Cam Newton is tied for the most touchdowns on the team (six) and has rushed for 585 yards on 111 attempts. Newton has an 88.8 quarterback rating and completed 292 of his 473 pass attempts (61.7 percent).

Edge: 49ers


Defense

The 49ers have a defense ranked no worse than seventh in points allowed, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards. The 49ers have eight players with 40 or more combined tackles lead by NaVorro Bowman with 145 tackles and fumbles recovered with four. Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks lead the team in sacks as both tallied 8.5. The 49ers are hoping Aldon Smith is healthy enough to give their pass rush a much needed lift.

The Panthers are no worse than sixth in points allowed, passing yards, rushing yards and total yards. 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly is showing continued success leading the team in combined tackles with 156 and interceptions with four. The Panthers have two defensive players this year with over 10 sacks including defensive end Greg Hardy, who ranks third in the NFL with 15.

Edge: Panthers


Special Teams

The 49ers are averaging 22.7 yards on kick returns ranking them 18th and they average 8.9 yards on punt returns (17th). The 49ers have shown some explosiveness returning kicks with two runs of over 40 yards including a long of 47. LaMichael James was San Francisco's leader in kick returns with 12 returns for 321 yards averaging 26.8 yards per return. James had 23 punt returns averaging 10.9. Kicker Phil Dawson in the regular season went 32-for-36 in field goals with a long of 56 yards.

The Panthers are averaging 21.9 yards on the kick return ranking them 24th and are ranked 12th in punt returns averaging 10.5 yards. Ted Ginn had 26 punt returns averaging 12.2 yards and was Carolina's leading kick returner with 25 returns for 595 yards averaging 23.8 a return. Kicker Graham Gano was 24-for-27 on field goals with a long of 55 yards.

Edge: 49ers


Notable Quotable

“I mean, the guy’s played in a few big games, I think, in his career and seems to do pretty well in them. We don’t get too wrapped up in what everybody else thinks. If we worried about that, we sure wouldn’t be sitting here getting ready to be hosting a divisional round game, if we really got too concerned with what everybody predicted. It’s just not a really big priority around here.” - Panthers tight end Greg Olsen on quarterback Cam Newton's ability to play in high pressure games.

"A lot of people talk about different things for receivers, 40-times or three-cones, how fast they run around the little orange cones, etcetera, but pretty darn important to catch the ball for a receiver. I just have never personally seen anybody catch the ball better than Michael Crabtree does." - 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh following the 49ers win in Green Bay.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, January 12

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Chargers at Broncos: What bettors need to know
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San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-8.5, 54)

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos get a chance to avenge their only home loss when they host the sixth-seeded San Diego Chargers in the AFC divisional round on Sunday. Manning guided Denver to the top seed behind a record-setting offense that surpassed 600 points for the first time in league history. The Broncos were held under 30 points only three times and two of them came against the Chargers, who lost a 28-20 decision in San Diego before pulling out a 27-20 win in Denver on Dec. 12.

Manning set league single-season records for touchdowns (55) and yards (5,477) but he is trying to end a streak of three straight postseason defeats, including a 38-35 loss in double overtime last season when the Broncos were also the No. 1 seed. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is 6-2 in his career in Denver and is relishing the matchup with Manning. "I've always appreciated and look forward to, as a fan of his growing up, to go against a Peyton Manning-led team," Rivers said. "It's going to be awesome."

TV: 4:40 p.m., CBS.

LINE: The Broncos opened -10 and are now -8.5. The total opened 54.5 and is down to 54.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-30s with a 13 percent chance of snow. Wind will blow across the field at 20 mph.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (10-7): San Diego ran its winning streak to five games with a 27-10 win at No. 3 seed Cincinnati last weekend, but enter Sunday's matchup with major concerns about running back Ryan Mathews' availability. Mathews averaged 118.3 yards in the final four games of the regular season, including 127 in the victory over the Broncos that helped the Chargers control the ball for more than 38 minutes, but he aggravated an ankle injury in the third quarter last week and did not return. Rivers put up pedestrian numbers against the Bengals (12-of-16, 128 yards, 1 TD), but he completed a league-high 69.5 percent of his passes during the regular season. San Diego's defense ranked 29th in passing yards allowed (258.7 yards) but limited opponents to an average of 16.3 points over the last six games.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (13-3): Wide receiver Wes Welker returns to the lineup after missing the past two games with a concussion, giving Manning his full array of weapons - Denver is the only team in history to have five players score at least 10 touchdowns. Manning threw for 330 yards and four TDs - three to Demaryius Thomas - in the first matchup with the Chargers, but he was held shut down after scoring on the opening possession of the second half. Eric Decker established career highs in yards (1,288) and receptions (87) while tight end Julius Thomas hauled in 12 scoring passes, including a 74-yarder at San Diego. Knowshon Moreno yielded more playing time to rookie running back Montee Ball down the stretch, but the onus will be on a defense that allowed 24.9 points and 254.4 passing yards per game.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Denver.
* Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight vs. AFC West.
* Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 playoff games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Manning is 9-11 in the postseason and has lost his first game on eight occasions.

2. San Diego led the league with 39 10-play drives during the regular season and had two more for TDs in last week's win at Cincinnati.

3. Manning (5,679) needs 177 yards to surpass Joe Montana and Brett Favre for the second-highest total in postseason history behind Tom Brady (5,949).


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NFL

Sunday, January 12

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Divisional Round Tale of the Tape: Chargers at Broncos
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The Broncos and Chargers square off for the third time this season on Sunday for a chance to play in the AFC Championship game.

Check out our match up in the betting tale of the tape.

Offense

The Chargers offensively put up the fourth most passing yards averaging 270.5 and fifth most total yards with 393.3. In the regular season San Diego showed success moving the chains completing 49 percent of their third down conversion attempts and 5-of-6 (83 percent) of their fourth down attempts. The Chargers dominated the time of possession averaging 33:35 a game. Running back Ryan Matthews notched six touchdowns and 1,255 yards over 285 attempts. Rookie Keenan Allen was the Chargers leading receiver with 71 catches for 1,046 yards. Quarterback Philip Rivers has a regular season QB rating of 105.5, completing 69.5 percent of his passes and put up a 32 TDs and 11 INTs.

The Broncos are coming off a record-setting season scoring 606 points for an average of 37.9 per game. The Broncos have completed 46 percent of their third down attempts and 89 percent of their fourth down conversion attempts (8-of-9). Knowshon Moreno leads the Broncos in rushing with 241 attempts for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns. Demaryius Thomas averaged 15.5 yards a reception with 92 receptions and 1,430 yards and Eric Decker put up 1,288 yards from 87 receptions and 11 touchdowns. Manning put up a 115.1 regular season quarterback rating completing 68.3 percent of his passes with an unbelievable 55 TDs to just 10 INTs.

Edge: Broncos


Defense

Despite the Chargers not-so-impressive statistical defense, their defense played a key role in the Wild Card victory holding the Bengals to zero points in the second half. The Chargers defense stepped up when it mattered, holding Cincy to completing 3-of-12 (25 percent) of their third down attempts and 1-of-3 (33 percent) of their fourth down conversion attempts. Safety Eric Weddle has been the Chargers best defensive player with 115 combined tackles, one sack and two interceptions.

Outside linebacker Danny Trevathan lead the Broncos in tackles with 129 in the regular season. Trevathan accumulated two sacks, three forced fumbles and three interceptions in the regular season. Shaun Phillips found success pressuring quarterbacks with 35 tackles and 10 sacks. The Broncos defense has been successful in stopping the rush allowing only 101.6 yards per game, which ranks them eighth.

Edge: Broncos


Special Teams

Punter Mike Scifres averages 43.2 yards and has kicked 30-of-56 punts inside the 20. Keenan Allen had 15 punt returns on the year averaging 8.3 yards per return. Running back Danny Woodhead has been the primary return man for San Diego with 12 returns for 262 yards and an average of 21.8 yards. Kicker Nick Novak made 34-of-37 field goals making 9-of-9 from 40-49 yards and 2-of-2 from 50 yards.

Punter Britton Colquitt averages 44.5 yards per punt and has kicked 23-of-65 punts inside the 20. Trindon Holiday returned 32 punts averaging 8.5 yards per return including a long of 81 yards and one touchdown. Holliday averages 27.7 yards per return including 28 returns for 775 yards and a long of 105 yards with one touchdown. Kicker Matt Prater had the highest percentage of made field goals kicking 25-of-26 for 96 percent. He has been perfect (8-for-8) from 40-49 yards and 6-for-7 from 50 or more yards.

Edge: Broncos


Notable Quotable

"We won 13 games this year so I don't know what you consider us if you consider them a hot team. We went on our streaks here and there, we had our bumps in the road and I think that's made us a better team. We faced a lot of adversity this year and now it's time to put up or shut up." - Broncos Terrance Knighton on the importance of post-season efforts.

"We know them, they know us, personnel-wise. It's going to be a great game and great battle. We held them to 28 and 20 points in both games. You never know. It could be a shootout, or it could be a low-scoring game. That's the great thing about the playoffs." - Chargers Eric Weddle on the Chargers and Broncos history.


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[Udog]

Trends - San Francisco at Carolina

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

San Francisco

49ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
49ers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Divisional Playoffs games.
49ers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
49ers are 24-7-1 ATS in their last 32 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
49ers are 23-7-3 ATS in their last 33 games following a ATS loss.
49ers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
49ers are 27-11-1 ATS in their last 39 games on grass.

Carolina

Panthers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Panthers are 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Panthers are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games on grass.
Panthers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Panthers are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Panthers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. NFC.
Panthers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 playoff games.
Panthers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Panthers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Panthers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a S.U. win.
Panthers are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in January.


OU Trends

San Francisco

Over is 7-1 in 49ers last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 10-2 in 49ers last 12 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 playoff road games.
Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in 49ers last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2 in 49ers last 7 games in January.

Carolina

Under is 8-0 in Panthers last 8 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 6-0 in Panthers last 6 vs. NFC.
Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 8-1 in Panthers last 9 games overall.
Under is 6-1 in Panthers last 7 games on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Panthers last 5 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Panthers last 5 home games.
Over is 7-2 in Panthers last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 18-7-1 in Panthers last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-2-1 in Panthers last 8 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Panthers last 10 playoff games.


Head to Head

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Carolina.
Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
49ers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
49ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Carolina.

[Udog]

Trends - San Diego at Denver

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

San Diego

Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Chargers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Chargers are 6-2-2 ATS in their last 10 games in January.
Chargers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Chargers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
Chargers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 playoff games.
Chargers are 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Chargers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. win.
Chargers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS win.
Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Chargers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 14 points.

Denver

Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. AFC West.
Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC.
Broncos are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Broncos are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Broncos are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 playoff home games.
Broncos are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games on grass.
Broncos are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Broncos are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS win.
Broncos are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 playoff games.
Broncos are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games in January.


OU Trends

San Diego

Under is 4-0 in Chargers last 4 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 5-0-1 in Chargers last 6 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 10-2 in Chargers last 12 vs. AFC.
Under is 4-1 in Chargers last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 4-1 in Chargers last 5 playoff games.
Under is 6-2 in Chargers last 8 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Chargers last 8 road games.
Under is 6-2 in Chargers last 8 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-2 in Chargers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 9-4 in Chargers last 13 games overall.

Denver

Over is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 playoff games.
Over is 9-1-1 in Broncos last 11 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Over is 8-1 in Broncos last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 7-1 in Broncos last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Broncos last 7 games in January.
Under is 4-1 in Broncos last 5 vs. AFC West.
Over is 10-3-1 in Broncos last 14 games following a SU win of more than 14 points.
Over is 16-5-1 in Broncos last 22 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.
Over is 26-9-1 in Broncos last 36 home games.
Over is 11-4-1 in Broncos last 16 games following a S.U. win.
Over is 11-4-1 in Broncos last 16 games following a ATS win.
Under is 5-2 in Broncos last 7 games on grass.
Over is 41-17-1 in Broncos last 59 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 18-8-1 in Broncos last 27 vs. AFC.
Over is 49-22-1 in Broncos last 72 games overall.
Over is 34-16-2 in Broncos last 52 vs. a team with a winning record.


Head to Head

Chargers are 6-1-4 ATS in their last 11 meetings in Denver.
Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Denver.
Chargers are 10-4-2 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Road team is 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

[Udog]

Guys,

After today, there are 3 NFL games remaining. This will be this season's last posting for NFL in a separate thread. Conference championships and the Super Bowl will be posted in the daily thread.

Good luck the rest of the way, everybody!