NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 8 (Thursday, October 23 - Monday, October 27)

[Udog]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder with Week 8 upon us.........

-- Texans are 4-8-1 vs spread in their last 13 road games.

-- Saints covered 15 of their last 20 home games.

-- Seattle is 7-3 in its last 10 games as a road favorite.

-- Colts covered nine of their last twelve road games.

-- Tampa Bay is 7-15-1 in its last 23 home games.

-- Buffalo is 8-16 vs spread in its last 24 road games.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 26

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Game of the Day: Lions vs. Falcons
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Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons (+3.5, 46.5)

The Atlanta Falcons hardly look ready for prime time this season so perhaps a trip overseas is coming at an opportune time as the struggling club attempts to halt a four-game losing streak. The Falcons have dropped all four games by double digits and look to rebound against the Detroit Lions on Sunday morning at London's Wembley Stadium. “We need to worry about this coming week,” Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We need to prepare better, practice better and play better. We know what to do."

Even though the Falcons are designated the home team, not having to play in Atlanta is a boost for the Lions, who are tied with Green Bay atop the NFC North following last week's dramatic comeback win over New Orleans. Star wideout Calvin Johnson practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday and Detroit hopes he can rejoin the lineup after missing the past two games with a high ankle sprain. It marks the first international contest for both the Falcons and Lions and will be the first NFL tilt to ever be televised at 9:30 a.m. ET.

TV: 9:30 a.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -3.5. O/U: 46.5

LINE HISTORY: The line has had no movement since opening at Atlanta +3.5. The total has dropped only half a point from a 47 point opening to 46.5.

INJURY REPORT: Lions - WR Calvin Johnson (Ques-Ankle), RB Reggie Bush (Doub-Ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew (Doub-Ankle) Falcons - G Justin Blalock (Prob-Back), DT Jonathan Babineaux (Doub-Foot)

ABOUT THE FALCONS (2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS, 3-4 O/U): Atlanta came into the season with questions surrounding its defense, but the Falcons have struggled on the other side of the ball - blowing a 10-point second-half lead against the New York Giants in Week 5 and scoring only one touchdown in each of their last two losses to Chicago (27-13) and Baltimore (29-7). Ryan opened the season with a 448-yard, three-TD performance in a win over New Orleans, but he has been limited to one scoring pass in four of the past six games. An already-suspect running game has been further hindered by an injury-ravaged offensive line that is missing four starters. Atlanta is 30th overall in both points (28.4) and total yards (412.1) and has only seven sacks.

ABOUT THE LIONS (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS, 2-5 O/U): Johnson has been a non-factor since his ankle issues cropped up in Week 4, but Detroit has compensated for the superstar receiver's loss with a defense that permits a league-low 290.3 yards and ranks second with 15.0 points allowed. The Lions have also registered 21 sacks and could build upon that total against Ryan, who has been sacked nine times over the past two games. Lions quarterback Matt Stafford has thrown for only nine scoring passes versus six interceptions, but he rallied Detroit with two TD passes in the final 3:38 last week to erase a 13-point deficit against the Saints. Golden Tate had 10 catches for 154 yards and a TD last week and has at least seven receptions in four straight games.

TRENDS:

*Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Under is 5-0 in Lions last 5 games following a ATS loss.
*Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 52.83 percent of users are backing the Lions and 57.4 are backing the over.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 26

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Sunday Night Football: Packers at Saints
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Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints (-2.5, 55.5)

The New Orleans Saints will be banking on their home-field dominance when they host the surging Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. The Saints have dropped all four games on the road, including a galling setback last week at Detroit in which they blew a 13-point lead over the final 3:38, but quarterback Drew Brees said it's not time to panic. "There's no must-win games until they're must-win games," Brees said. "It's important. It's really important, but nobody needs that kind of pressure."

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers adopted a similar mantra to Brees after Green Bay dropped two of its first three, telling the home fans to "relax." Rodgers has guided the Packers to four consecutive wins and has been spectacular in doing so, throwing 13 touchdown passes and zero interceptions to push Green Bay into a tie with Detroit for first place in the NFC North. “We’re 5-2. They’re 2-4," Rodgers said. "They’ve lost some close games. We won a couple close ones. But they’re a good football team."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

LINE HISTORY: Since opening at New Orleans -1.5, action has forced the line to jump a full point to NO -2.5. The total market opened at 54 before climbing all the way to 56 and it currently sits at 55.5.

INJURY REPORT: Packers - CB Sam Shields (Doub-Knee), S Morgan Burnett (Ques-Calf), RB James Starks (Prob-Ankle) Saints - CB Patrick Robinson (Prob-Hamstring), TE Jimmy Graham (Prob-Shoulder), CB Keenan Lewis (Ques-Knee)

ABOUT THE PACKERS (5-2 SU, 4-2-1 ATS, 6-1 O/U): Rodgers has 18 scoring passes versus one interception - that coming in Week 1 - and is coming off his fourth consecutive games with at least three TD passes in a 38-17 demolition of Carolina. Jordy Nelson has six touchdown catches and is second in the league with 712 receiving yards while fellow wideout Randall Cobb has eight TD receptions. The Packers are averaging 36.3 points during their winning streak despite a slow start by second-year running back Eddie Lacy, who has four touchdowns in the past four contests but has been limited to 48 yards or fewer in five of the seven games. Green Bay is one of the league's worst team's against the run, ranking 31st with an average of 147.9 yards allowed.

ABOUT NEW ORLEANS (2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS, 5-1 O/U): The Saints' defense is permitting 27.5 points per game and appear vulnerable to Rodgers and Green Bay's vaunted aerial attack, surrendering 270.5 passing yards while collecting only nine sacks. Brees' inconsistency is reflected in his past three games - he has thrown for over 300 yards in each but has six touchdowns and five interceptions in that span. One major concern is the health of standout tight end Jimmy Graham, who did not have a catch against the Lions while battling a shoulder injury that has limited him in practice this season. Third-down back Pierre Thomas is expected to miss the game with a shoulder injury, leaving Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson as the primary ball carries.

TRENDS:

*Packers are 0-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
*Saints are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
*Over is 6-0 in Packers last 6 games following a SU win of more than 14 points.
*Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 62.1 percent of users are behind with an overwhelming 68.8 percent on the over.


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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 26


Falcons-Lions love low totals

The Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons face off across the pond in London in early NFL Week 8 action Saturday, and trends are showing the two clubs have a history of going below the total.

The Under is 5-1 in their last six meetings.

Atlanta is currently 3.5-point "home" dogs for the matchup. The total is sitting at 46.5.


Falcons having issues covering in recent games

The Atlanta Falcons have hit a rough patch for their spread backers, going 0-4 ATS in their last four contests.

The Falcons and the Detroit Lions will open Week 9's Sunday NFL action in London, England Sunday.

Detroit is presently 3.5-point "road" faves with a total of 46.5 for the affair.


Faves have been playing well in England

The Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons will square off at Wembley Stadium in Week 8 and though the line opened as the Falcons +3.5, bettors should make note as the fave has covered in six of the last seven games in jolly ol' England.

This season marks the eighth consecutive that the NFL will hold a game in London, England and the second this season after the Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins played there in Week 4. In fact, there are three games to be held on British soil this season with the Dallas Cowboys clashing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 9 to mark the third.

There are a couple of trends through the first nine games in London to bear in mind if you're going to make a wager on the Falcons-Lions game this weekend.

The favorite has covered in six of the past seven matchups and is 6-3 overall in these games.


Windy conditions at MetLife Stadium Sunday

Wind will gust from sideline to sideline at MetLife Stadium as the New York Jets host the Buffalo Bills in an AFC East matchup Sunday afternoon.

According to Wunderground.com, wind should blow around 14 mph throughout the course of the game.

Presently, the Jets are field goal-favorites and the total is 40.5.


Covers few and far between at home for Chiefs

There hasn't been any home field advantage for bettors backing the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium recently.

The Chiefs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games. Alex Smith's crew host Austin Davis and the St. Louis Rams Sunday.

K.C. is currently listed as 7-point home faves with an O/U of 44 for the contest.


Trend shows Vikings struggling ATS vs. Tampa Bay

Minnesota and Tampa Bay will clash in Week 9 NFL action, and according to recent trends, the Vikings have historically been a poor spread play in those games.

The Vikes are 0-6 ATS in their last six games versus the Bucs.

The Buccaneers are currently 2.5-point home faves with an Over/Under of 42.5.


Bengals an awful bet since bye week

At 3-0 against the spread, the Cincinnati Bengals started the season as one of, if not, the best bets in the league. In Week 4, they had their bye week and since then they've poison at the betting window.

The Bengals have gone 0-3 both straight up and ATS since that bye week and are currently 1.5-point home underdogs with their AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens in town visiting The Jungle.

Cincy had covered 11-straight regular season football games on its home turf before that was ended by the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 in a 37-37 tie. The Bengals were 7-point home favorites.

[Udog]

NFL roundup: Bucs sign McCoy to 7-year extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a seven-year contract extension Saturday.

The team announced that the deal makes McCoy the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. According to reports, the deal is worth $98 million with $51.5 million guaranteed.

McCoy, 26, was in the final year of his contract. The new deal is through 2021.

"From the moment (coach) Lovie (Smith) and I arrived here, we knew it was vital for us to keep Gerald in Tampa Bay long term as one of the cornerstones of our franchise," general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. "With the backing of the Glazer family, we were able to accomplish that. On the field, Gerald is one of the best players in the National Football League, who has been extremely productive and will be for years to come."

The Bucs made McCoy the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He has started all 56 games that he has played, earning trips to the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons. He also received first-team Associated Press All-Pro honors in 2013 when had career highs with 9.5 sacks, 50 tackles and four pass breakups.

---The Detroit Lions suspended defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and sent him home from London on Saturday, the day before they were to play the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium.

The Lions said Mosley has been suspended for two weeks for a violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the team.

Detroit promoted safety Jerome Couplin from the practice squad to take Mosley's place.

As the third defensive tackle behind starters Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, Mosley has 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season.

---Tennessee Titans running back Shonn Greene was arrested Friday night on several driving violations.

Greene's charges included resisting a stop when approached by police in Franklin, Tenn.

Greene was also charged with a handicap parking violation, driving on a revoked/suspended license and reckless driving.

Greene reportedly parked in a handicap parking space, but went back into his car and sped off after being approached by an officer. He sped away again when police caught up with him.

According to The Tennessean, Franklin police got in touch with the Titans and arranged for Greene to turn himself in on Friday around 9 p.m. He posted a $2,000 bond and was released at 10:38 p.m.

---The Miami Dolphins activated pass rusher Dion Jordan for their game Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

To make room on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins waived wide receiver Damian Williams.

Jordan, the team's first-round pick in 2013, just finished serving a six-game suspension for violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

---San Diego Chargers have two injured cornerbacks in the aftermath of Thursday's 35-21 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Jahleel Addae has a concussion while rookie Jason Verrett has a shoulder injury.

Addae hit the turf after his first tackle of the game and appeared to go into convulsions after another hit in the third quarter. Addae, a second-year player, said after the game that he passed the NFL's concussion protocol. However, the team said late Friday that he was diagnosed with a concussion.

According to NFL.com, Verrett is scheduled to see a specialist next week to get a diagnosis on the shoulder.

---The San Francisco 49ers placed center Daniel Kilgore and cornerback Chris Cook on injured reserve and signed safety Bubba Ventrone to a one-year deal.

Kilgore, a fifth-round draft pick in 2011, has played in 40 NFL games over the past four seasons. All seven of his starts occurred this year. The 26-year-old played collegiately at Appalachian State.

Cook, 27, has three tackles and one pass breakup in six games this season. He also has two stops on special teams.

---The Seattle Seahawks placed fullback Derrick Coleman on injured reserve and signed wide receiver Phil Bates from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Coleman, who broke a foot during pregame warmups last Sunday, had season-ending surgery on Wednesday.

[Udog]

Where the action is: Sunday's biggest NFL Week 8 line moves

Week 8 of the NFL schedule sees the league return to London, England where the struggling Atlanta Falcons face the Detroit Lions in an especially early (9:30 am ET) game. But there a few others on the board that have seen some big line moves - including some heavy sharp action - leading into Sunday's action.

We look at some of the biggest line moves as Sunday draws near, and talk to Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag about why those odds are moving and where they could end up come kickoff:

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - Open: -2.5, Move: Pick, Move +2

The Bengals have struggled mightily since their bye week (Week 4), posting an 0-3 record against the spread. Money has been on the Ravens since post adjusting the line 4.5 points at the time of publication. With the heavy movement and sharp action behind the Ravens, oddsmakers are quick to admit a wrong original number.

"We opened the Bengals a 2.5-point favorite at home versus the Ravens, and since hanging that line it’s been all Ravens money so far," Stewart tells Covers. We eventually went to pick’em and eventually making the Ravens a 1-point favorite. That really didn’t slow down the money and pushed this line out even further on the Ravens to -2 -115. Bottom line, our opening number was flat out wrong on the Bengals. With 70 percent of the action on the Ravens, it’s one of our bigger decisions going into tomorrow."


Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers - Open: +4.5, Move: +5.5, Move: +6

Carbon opened Seattle -4.5 being on the road for back-to-back weeks. The Seahawks often times looked flat at St. Louis one week ago, but bettors like them in this sport to bounce back somewhat convincingly. Stewart believes that sharp bettors may just come back to support the dog prior to kickoff.

We thought 4.5 points was enough to at least attract some action on the Panthers, but it really wasn’t as all the early money hammered a Seattle team off two-straight losses" Stewart says. "I expect the wiseguys to come in on the Panthers at some point as there’s tremendous value taking the points with this Panthers team. If we don’t see any wise guys support on the Panther’s, then we’ll tick this game up another ½ point but we won’t get to 7 and take a chance of getting middled or sided on the game."


Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints - Open: Pick, Move: -1.5, Move: -1

Carbon opened this NFC matchup as a Pick in an attempt to gain some betting support on the road team. However, sharp action came in on the Saints at that Pick'em line and forced the book to adjust to -1 and, eventually, -1.5. But being the Packers, public money continues to flood in on them and force a move back to -1.

"This will be the biggest bet game of the weekend for us, so if the early public action is on the Packers that means all the late public action will be on them as well as all parlays," says Stewart. "So while we respect the sharp money, at this point the liability that is mounting on the Packers is very concerning at this point and I wouldn’t be surprised if we go back to a Pick."

As for the total here, it's the highest on the board Sunday but that hasn't stopped bettors. It's been well documented that the Over has been a cash cow for primetime matchups this season and even though the number opened at 55.5, it's moved up one point since post.

"The Saints' defense has been torched this season and while the Packers have improved, they’ve taken on some shaky offenses which has 'padded' their stats. While the primetime Over trend is an anomaly in my opinion, it’s still something we need to be aware of and consider because we know our betting public is doing the same."

[Udog]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Six most popular picks in the Westgate Hotel handicapping contest, where some of the best handicappers in America put up $1,500 apiece, pick 5 games a week:

6) Vikings, +2.5-- Tampa Bay is coming off a bye.

5) Chiefs, -6.5-- Won a big game in San Diego last week.

4) Saints, -1.5-- New Orleans is struggling, but they are 2-0 at home.

3) Ravens, +1-- No AJ Green for Cincy; Ravens out for revenge.

2) Texans, -2-- Rookie QB Mettenberger starting for Tennessee.

1) Colts, -3-- Pittsburgh has solid record as a home underdog.

Season record of six most popular picks each week: 22-20

2013 season record of six most popular picks each week: 42-57-4

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 26


C.J. Mosley sent home from London

On the eve of their game against the Atlanta Falcons in Wembley Stadium, the Detroit Lions have suspended defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and sent him home from England. The Lions announced Saturday that they have suspended Mosley for two weeks for an unspecified violation of team rules and conduct detrimental to the team.


Dolphins activate Jordan

The Miami Dolphins have activated pass rusher Dion Jordan for their game Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

To make room on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins waived wide receiver Damian Williams.

Jordan, the team's first-round pick in 2013, just finished serving a six-game suspension for violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Jordan had two sacks as a rookie and now should get a chance to prove he can fit into Miami's 4-3 defensive scheme.

Without Jordan, the Dolphins have 17 sacks -- eight by Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon.


Under the trend in AFC's all-Florida battle

The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Miami Dolphins from EverBank Field for the AFC's Florida bragging rights, but if there's a trend that sticks out when these teams meet, it's the Under.

The two teams have met six times since the Jags joined the league and the Under has gone 4-2, but has cashed in the last four games which these teams have squared off.

The last meeting was 2012 with the Dolphins prevailed 24-3 and the scoreline staying well under the closing total of 38.5.

Currently, the total is 42.5 after opening 43 or 43.5 depending on your book of choice. The highest total the two have seen was 43 in 2009 when the Dolphins won 14-10.


Indianapolis Colts are Sunday's top Consensus play

Seeing 72.48 percent of betting support, the Indianapolis Colts are the top play according to Consensus on Sunday's NFL board.

Not necessarily surprising as the Colts are the top team in the league against the spread. They've put together a 6-1 record against the spread and have covered five-straight since losing 30-27 to the Philadelphia Eagles as 3-point home faves.

Indy will look to make it six-straight at the betting window as it visits the Pittsburgh Steelers in late afternoon action Sunday. The Colts are presently 3.5-point road faves.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 26


Indy on cruise control for their spread bettors

The Indianapolis Colts have gone on a tear for spread bettors lately, going 5-0 ATS in their last five contests.

Andrew Luck's crew travel to the Steel City Sunday for a clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Indy is currently 3.5-point road favorites with an Over/Under of 48.5.


Browns going Over at home

The Cleveland Browns have been participating in a lot of high-scoring games at home recently, evidenced by the Over going 4-1 in their last five matchups at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Browns host the Oakland Raiders in Week 8 NFL action Sunday.

Cleveland is presently 6.5-point home faves with a the total set at 44.


Eagles have history of not covering vs. Cardinals

Chip Kelly and the high-flying Philadelphia Eagles offense invade University of Phoenix Stadium for a date with the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, and one trend is showing the Eagles have historically struggled against the spread vs. the Cards.

Philly is 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings with Arizona.

The Cardinals are currently 1-point home faves with an O/U of 48.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 27

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Monday Night Football: Redskins at Cowboys
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Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-10, 48.5)

A season-opening loss to San Francisco seems like a lifetime ago for the Dallas Cowboys, who will go for their seventh consecutive victory when they host the Washington Redskins on Monday night. The Cowboys have surged to the top of the NFC East behind an offense featuring DeMarco Murray, the first running back in league history to open a season with seven straight 100-yard games. Dallas has won seven of the last 10 versus Washington, including a season sweep a year ago.

The Redskins snapped a four-game skid last week when coach Jay Gruden benched quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of third-stringer Colt McCoy, who is expected to make his first start since December 2011. However, Gruden employed some gamesmanship by refusing to rule out Robert Griffin III, who has been sidelined since suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 2. "Colt's the starter. We're preparing for Colt to be the starter," Gruden said. "But we're trying to get Robert some reps, get him ready."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Cowboys -8.5 and adjusted to -10. The total opened 49.5 and has dropped to 48.5.

INJURY REPORT: Redskins - S Ryan Clark (Questionable, ankle), CB Tracy Porter (Questionable, hamstring), LB Perry Riley (Questionable, knee). Cowboys - CB Brandon Carr (Probable, hamstring), LB Bruce Carter (Questionable, quad), DE Tyrone Crawford (Out, calf).

POWER RANKINGS: Redskins (+3.75) + Cowboys (-2.25) + home field (-3.0) = Cowboys -9.0

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS, 4-3 O/U): With Washington in dire need of a victory last week, Gruden made a surprise move by inserting McCoy, who wound up completing 11-of-12 for 128 yards and a touchdown in his first action since attempting one pass last season as a member of the 49ers. While McCoy is keeping the seat warm until Griffin returns, a major concern is the running game. Alfred Morris, who rushed for nearly 2,900 yards in his first two seasons, has managed only 124 over the past three games while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. Washington's defense, which ranks sixth with 321.9 yards allowed but has surrendered an average of 26.1 points, absorbed a big loss when linebacker Brian Orapko (torn pectoral) was lost for the season.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS, 4-3 O/U): Murray rumbled for 128 yards and a touchdown in last week's 31-21 victory over the New York Giants to push his league-leading total to 913 while breaking Hall of Famer Jim Brown's record of six straight 100-yard outings to open a season. “I think we did this as a group, so it’s hard for me to accept this individually,” Murray said. “The offensive line is a huge part of this. ... I definitely give a lot of credit to those guys." Quarterback Tony Romo has multiple TDs in five straight games after throwing for 279 yards and three scores last week, with Dez Bryant hauling in nine balls for 151 yards. Dallas ranked last in total defense last season with an average of 415.3 yards but has cut that number to 343.9 through seven games.

TRENDS:

* Redskins are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Dallas.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
* Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Cowboys last four vs. NFC.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 52 percent of wagers are backing the Dallas Cowboys.


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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 27


Cowboys struggling to cover in Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football has not been kind to Dallas Cowboys spread backers. The Cowboys are 0-4 in their last night Monday primetime games.

Colt McCoy will lead the Washington Redskins into AT&T Stadium Monday for a date with Tony Romo's crew.

Dallas is presently 10-point home favorites. The total for the game is sitting at 48.5.


Trend shows Cowboys going Over the total

The Dallas Cowboys have had no problem putting points on the board this season, and as a result, bettors banking on high totals are profiting.

The Over is 4-1 in Dallas' last five games. They'll host the Washington Redskins at "Jerry World" in Week 8 Monday Night Football.

The 'Boys are currently 10-point home faves with an O/U of 48.5.

[Udog]

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

13) Lions 22, Falcons 21-- Long trip home for Atlanta, which led 21-0 al halftime. Word is NFL will have five of these London games next year; not fond of starting a game at 9:30am ET. Second week in row Lions won after being in hopeless situation, good for them. NFC South teams are putrid.

12) Vikings 19, Bucs 13 OT-- Minnesota tied game with FG at gun, then scored a defensive TD on first play of OT to snap 3-game losing streak and go home happy. Four of six Buc losses are by six or less points, with two of last three in OT- they scored 17 or less points in five of seven games. .

11) Patriots 51, Bears 23-- Brady was 30-35/354 with five TD passes; this game was 38-7 at the half. Going to be long bye week for the Bears, who visit Lambeau in first game after their bye- they've lost four of their last five games. Patriots are now 22-15 vs spread in last 37 games as a non-divisional home favorite.

10) Chiefs 34, Rams 7-- Rams' putrid lack of production from WRs is summed up by this stat; they're last in NFL, getting only 8 first downs vis penalty- DBs do not respect them enough to grab/hold/interfere with them. St Louis special teams won game last week; they were not good in this one, missing a chip shot FG when it was 7-7, giving up a 99-yard kick return when it was 10-7.

9) Seahawks 13, Panthers 9-- Seattle has come to Charlotte and won three years in row, by similar scores: 16-12/12-7/13-9. Rumors persist there are problems between QB Wilson and other Seahawks. Carolina is 1-4-1 after its 2-0 start.

8) Bills 43, Jets 23-- Jets were -6 in turnovers, lost for 7th game in row after being first 1-6 team EVER to be favored a team with a winning record. Bills threw for 217 yards despite throwing only 17 passes- they won field position by 30 yards.

7) Dolphins 27, Jaguars 13-- Jax rookie QB Bortles had three turnovers, giving him six in the past two weeks and 13 in six games. Four of those have been interceptions returned for touchdowns, two by Miami here. Dolphins are unspectacular but 4-3 and thats a hell of a lot better than last year's debacle.

6) Texans 30, Titans 16-- Tennessee RB Greene was arrested Friday after parking his BMW in a handicapped spot, then almost hitting a traffic cop as he left the scene. Distractions like this are almost always a red flag. go-against sign, especially for a team starting a QB for first time in NFL. No news is good news.

5) Bengals 27, Ravens 24-- Terrific game that turned many times, last of which was when refs called offensive interference on Steve Smith with 0:32 left, negating what would've been an 80-yard TD pass. Cincinnati sweeps the season series and now has tie-breakers over Baltimore.

4) Cardinals 24, Eagles 20-- Thing I like about Bruce Arians is that he blitzes the other QB when he is protecting a lead late in the game. Arizona had TD passes of 80-75 yards, Eagles had only a FG to show for three red zone drives, and also threw an INT in the end zone from the 25. Hard to win that way.

3) Steelers 51, Colts 34-- Big Ben is now 100-50 as an NFL starter after throwing for 522 yards as Pitt dismantled a Colt team that had won five in a row. Back when he was a HS junior, Ben sat behind the coach's son, who wound up playing WR at a Division III college. Coach must be a helluva guy.

2) Browns 23, Raiders 13-- Good sign for Cleveland fans, winning easily against an inferior opponent. Raiders have now lost 13 straight dating to last season. Oakland has dropped 16 games in a row played in Eastern time zone -- a streak that started in 2009. Browns are now 4-3, matching their win total of last season.

1) Saints 44, Packers 23-- Green Bay is 0-3 on artificial turf, Saints are 3-0 at home. Luck of the schedule whether you play New Orleans at home or in the Superdome. Rodgers dinged his hanstring in this game, but Pack has next week off, so he can get better before they play the Bears on Sunday night, November 9.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 27


Home teams come through for backers Sunday

It was a good week to back home teams against the spread in the NFL this Sunday.

Teams that enjoyed home cooking this week went 9-4 ATS, hitting over 69 percent of the time. The only home teams to not cover yesterday were Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and the New York Jets.

Home favorites fare even better going 5-5 ATS, good for a success rate of just over 71 percent.


Saints, Packers go over again

New Orleans bounced back with a big 44-23 win over Green Bay Sunday night in a game that went well of over the total making the Saints and Packers the best over plays this season.

The total closed at 55, but it was no match for the Saints and Packers. The Saints are now 6-1 over/under on the season, while the Packers are an NFL best 7-1 O/U and gone over the total in five straight games.


Rams left tackle Jake Long has torn his ACL again

The Rams weren’t necessarily expecting any good news, but that doesn’t mean they’re not disappointed. A league sources tells PFT that Long has indeed torn his ACL, which will cost him the rest of the season.


Griffin still could return on Sunday against Vikings

At one point, there was a report that Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III would return on Monday night against the Cowboys. The better view was, and had been, that Griffin will be back when Washington emerges from the bye week, at home against the Buccaneers.


Jets get blown out by Bills, are league's worst bet

Bringing in Percy Harvin wasn't enough to turn things around for the New York Jets this week, as they got stomped out 43-23 by Buffalo and are now the worst bet in the NFL.

The humiliating loss drops the Jets to 1-7 straight up and a league worst 1-6-1 against the spread this season.

It doesn't get any easier for the Jets in Week 9 as they travel to Kansas City, where they are already listed as double-digit rod dogs, currently at +10.

[Udog]

CFL

Monday, October 27


Ti-Cats open as 7-point faves at Ottawa in Week 19

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have opened as 7-point road favorites at the lowly Ottawa RedBlacks in the Friday night game in Week 19 North of the Border.

*********.eu posted their line earlier Monday afternoon and hung a total of 44.5 on the board to go along with the spread.

Both the Ti-Cats and RedBlacks bring the same record against the spread into this week's action at 7-9 ATS. The RedBlacks, however, have covered in back-to-back home games.