The bum's nfl december trends/news/ stats/ all you need to know to wager the games!

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 14

December 8, 2014


Overall Notes

NFL WEEK 14 RESULTS
Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 10-5
Against the Spread 8-7
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 5-10
Against the Spread 5-10
Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 5-10

NFL OVERALL RESULTS
Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 135-69-1
Against the Spread 100-99-4
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 115-87-1
Against the Spread 101-99-3
Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 100-102-3
Biggest Favorite to Cash

Detroit (-10.5) continued to roll at Ford Field by avoiding a letdown with a 24-17 victory over the upset-minded Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford tossed three touchdowns for the Lions, who are 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS at home this season.

Biggest Underdog to Cash

The Panthers (+9) and the Bills (+9) each took home the money as heavy favorites on the road. Carolina routed New Orleans from start to finish to snap a six-game losing streak in a 41-10 blowout. Buffalo couldn't knock off Denver, but the Bills trimmed a 24-3 deficit to 24-17 in the final minute to pick up the backdoor cover.

Home/Away

Road teams went 7-2 in the early games on Sunday. The only home squads to win in the 1:00 games were Minnesota and Detroit, as the Vikings pulled off an overtime victory over the Jets, 30-24, while grabbing a frontdoor cover.

Highway Chalk

In the four early games that featured road favorites, all four squads (Indianapolis, Houston, N.Y. Giants, and St. Louis) picked up victories, while this group went 3-1 ATS. The Colts (-3) rallied late to stun the Browns, 25-24, overcoming a pair of defensive touchdowns by Cleveland. The Texans, Giants, and Rams all won by double-digits, while St. Louis pulled off its second consecutive shutout.

Silver and Back

Break up the Raiders, who won for the second time in three games following an 0-10 start with Sunday's 24-13 home triumph of San Francisco as 8.5-point underdogs. Derek Carr outdueled Colin Kaepernick as the Oakland rookie quarterback tossed three touchdowns, while the Raiders' defefnse limited San Francisco to 248 yards.

Not so Sunny

All three Sunshine State teams lost, including the Jaguars and Dolphins at home. Miami blew an early 10-0 lead in a 28-13 defeat to Baltimore as three-point favorites in a virtual playoff game for positioning in the AFC. Jacksonville couldn't capitalize off last week's dramatic victory over the Giants, as the Jags fell short in a 27-13 setback to the Texans as 6.5-point underdogs.

Flying High

The Seahawks won on the East Coast for the third time in three tries this season, knocking off the Eagles, 24-14 in a key NFC showdown. Seattle opened up as one-point underdogs, but closed as 1.5-point favorites to improve to 4-3 on the road. Philadelphia suffered its first regular season loss at Lincoln Financial Field in the past 11 tries.

Totals

In the first full December card, the 'under' came through in nine of 13 games on Sunday, including a perfect 4-0 to the 'under' in the late contests.

The Steelers (42) and Panthers (41) were the top-scoring teams on Sunday, as Carolina barely went 'over' the total of 50.5 in a 41-10 win at New Orleans. Pittsburgh blew up in the fourth quarter at Cincinnati with a 25-point output, as the Steelers cruised to a 42-21 drubbing with a total of 47.5.

Indianapolis had an opportunity to pick up a push on the 50 total at Cleveland by just kicking the extra-point after the go-ahead touchdown, but the Colts went for a two-point conversion and missed it. The Colts actually went for another two-point converstion earlier and didn't convert, costing 'over' bettors for a free two points in a 25-24 win.

The Jets-Vikings game had the lowest total (40) on the board, as Minnesota led at halftime, 21-15 to pretty much guarantee an 'over.' The Jets tied the game at 21-21 early in the fourth, as New York snapped a four-game streak to the 'under' in a 30-24 loss.

Notable streaks that were extended and came to a close are listed below.

The Bills have cashed the 'under' in five consecutive games, while owning the best 'under' mark in the league at 11-2.

Tampa Bay's six-game 'under' streak came to a close in the 34-17 loss at Detroit on a 41.5 total.

[StarDust Bum]

MNF - Falcons at Packers

December 8, 2014

The Packers can’t afford any slip-ups down the stretch with three straight games against teams that aren’t headed to the playoffs. Next week, Green Bay heads to Buffalo, which was dealt a major blow for its postseason hopes in a loss at Denver on Sunday, followed by a trip to 2-11 Tampa Bay in Week 16. However, the Packers face a motivated Falcons squad tonight at Lambeau Field to close out the Week 14 card as both teams look to maintain their division lead.

Green Bay (9-3) made a major statement last week by slowing down a red-hot New England club in a 26-21 victory as 2 ½-point home favorites. The Packers jumped out to an early 13-0 lead after one quarter, but the Patriots got within 16-14 towards the end of the first half. The exclamation point for Green Bay came in the final minute of the half as Aaron Rodgers hooked up with Jordy Nelson on a 45-yard touchdown strike to put the game out of reach. Rodgers stayed on fire with a 368-yard effort, while not throwing a single interception in six home wins this season.

The Falcons (5-7) finally beat a team outside of their dreadful division by knocking off the NFC West-leading Cardinals last Sunday, 29-18 as a 1 ½-point home underdogs. Matt Ryan put together his best passing game since a wild overtime win over the Saints in Week 1, as the Falcons’ quarterback threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. One of those scores went to Julio Jones, who hauled in a career-high 189 yards, including 43 yards on a touchdown to give the Falcons a commanding 17-0 advantage.

Even sitting two games below .500 with four to go, Mike Smith’s team is in the driver’s seat of the NFC South. Following New Orleans’ embarrassing home loss to Carolina on Sunday, the Falcons own a half-game lead over the Saints for the division lead. Atlanta travels to the Superdome in Week 16 to basically play for the division title, while hosting a tough Pittsburgh squad next week, so this will be last man surviving inside the NFC South.

Green Bay is doing things in a more conventional way, needing a win tonight to stay even with Arizona for home-field advantage inside the NFC at 10-3. However, the Lions are breathing down the Packers’ necks in the NFC North race, as Detroit owns a 9-4 record and has already beaten Green Bay earlier this season. This division will be decided in the final week when the Lions head to Lambeau Field.

The Falcons last visited Green Bay exactly one year to the day, falling to the Packers last December, 22-21 as 3 ½-point underdogs. Rodgers sat out this win for Green Bay while recovering from a collarbone injury, as Matt Flynn led the Packers to a pair of scores after trailing 21-13 in the second half, capped off by a two-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Quarless early in the fourth quarter. The Falcons were without their top receiving target in Jones, who was out with a foot injury, as Ryan threw for just 206 yards.

Atlanta’s defense has stepped up of late after getting ripped up early in the season. Since blowing a 21-0 lead in London in a one-point loss to Detroit in Week 8, the Falcons have allowed 18 points or less in victories over the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Cardinals. In the lone defeat during this 3-1 stretch, the Falcons intercepted Brian Hoyer three times in a walk-off loss to Cleveland two weeks ago, but allowed 475 yards.

It’s hard to find many flaws with Mike McCarthy’s club, as the Packers have covered each of their past five home wins, while losing just once since the end of September. However, Green Bay is listed as a double-digit favorite for the first time this season, as its previous highest favorite spot came against Chicago in a 55-14 drubbing of the Bears in Week 10 as 9 ½-point chalk. The Packers are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five opportunities when laying at least 10 points, with the only loss coming to the Bears last season when Rodgers suffered his collarbone break in the first quarter.

VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson gives his spin on tonight’s matchup, “The Packers are among the top three teams in the NFL in yards per play, packed tightly with Indianapolis and New Orleans with all three teams posting 6.2 yards per play on the season. Over the last three games, Green Bay has posted an incredible 6.7 yards per play and while there could be a potential letdown after a huge win over the Patriots, the Monday night stage and the chance to play for the top seed in the NFC should keep the team focused.”

Nelson says this line is high for a reason, “Atlanta is one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL allowing 6.1 yards per play including 6.5 yards per play over the last three games despite the Falcons winning three of their last four games to hold the NFC South lead. The matchup problems for the Falcons in this game are not being missed by anyone with the line up to -13 at many outlets despite this being a critical game for both teams. The Falcons have been an underdog of 10 or more points just three times in the Matt Ryan era since 2008, covering in all three instances.”

From a totals perspective, the Packers finally hit the ‘under’ at home following five straight ‘overs’ to start the season in last week’s win over the Patriots on a steep total of 57. Green Bay is 4-3 to the ‘over’ on totals of 50 or higher this season, while Atlanta has cashed the ‘under’ in two of three games with totals above 50.

The public will likely be all over the Packers tonight after last week’s performance, as Green Bay sits as 13-point favorites at most spots. The total is floating between 55 ½ and 56, as temperatures are expected to be in the low 30’s with a chance of snow flurries. The game kicks off 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on ESPN.
Share

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, December 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday Night Football: Falcons at Packers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-13, 55.5)

The Atlanta Falcons would be out of the playoff picture in any other division, but residing in the NFC South has provided them with a clear path to the postseason. That doesn't equate to an easy road for the Falcons, who face a daunting obstacle Sunday when they visit Aaron Rodgers and the red-hot Green Bay Packers. Atlanta is tied for first in the NFC South while Green Bay leads the NFC North and is unbeaten (6-0) at home.

Last week's 29-18 over Arizona - the Falcons' first against a team with a winning record - actually was a boost for the Packers, who are among three 9-3 teams fighting for the top overall seed in the conference. Green Bay prevailed in a high-profile matchup last week, snapping New England's seven-game winning streak for its fourth victory in a row and eighth in nine games. "We have some big goals, and we know what we have in front of us, we have a four-game stretch here," Packers top wideout Jordy Nelson said. "We can’t let up at all and we need to make sure we take care of business."

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

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Packers as 11.5-point favorites, but action has moved that to -13. The total opened at 56 and is down a half-point.

INJURY REPORT: Falcons - G Justin Blalock (Probable, back), WR Harry Douglas (Probable, foot), WR Roddy White (Questionable, ankle), DT Paul Soliai (Questionable, personal). Packers - CB Sam Shields (Questionable, concussion), LB Jamari Lattimore (Questionable, ankle).

POWER RANKINGS: Falcons (+2.75) + Packers (-6.0) + home field (-3.0) = Packers -11.75

WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the low-30s and wind blowing across the field at 6 mph.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (5-7SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U): An injury-ravaged offensive line has contributed to the offensive inconsistency for Atlanta, but Matt Ryan is coming off his highest output since Week 1 with a 361-yard, two-TD performance in last week's win over Arizona. Julio Jones had a monster performance with 10 catches for 189 yards and has scored a TD in consecutive games, but fellow wideout Roddy White missed last week's game due to an ankle injury and did not practice Friday, although coach Mike Smith said he expected the veteran to play. Running back Steven Jackson has failed to crack 60 yards in 10 of 12 games but went over 100 yards for the first time last week. The Falcons rank last with 403.2 yards allowed, but they have permitted an average of 19 points during the current 3-1 streak.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (9-3 SU, 7-4-1 ATS, 9-3 O/U): Green Bay has been a juggernaut on its home field, averaging nearly 44 points prior to behind held to 26 by the Patriots despite rolling up 478 total yards. Rodgers is coming off his sixth 300-yard game and has 32 touchdowns versus only three interceptions while posting numbers at Lambeau Field that are off the charts - 20 TDs and zero picks this season to extend his NFL records of 32 scoring passes and 366 attempts without being intercepted at home. Nelson and Randall Cobb are the first tandem in franchise history with at least 10 TD passes in a season while running back Eddie Lacy has rushed for 223 yards on 46 carries the past two weeks. A defense that has held eight of its last 10 opponents to 21 points or fewer could be without cornerback Sam Shields (concussion).

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Green Bay.
* Under is 5-1 in Falcons last six vs. NFC.
* Over is 6-1 in Packers last seven vs. NFC.
* Packers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 67 percent of bettors are backing the Packers.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, December 8


It's going to be a cold night at Lambeau for MNF

If you're heading to the Monday Night Football matchup between Green Bay and Atlanta at Lambeau Field, make sure you're bundled up.

The forecast is calling for a cool night on the frozen tundra with a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. Western winds of 7 mph are also expected in the Green Bay area. There is currently a 30 percent chance of precipitation.

Oddsmakers have the Pack as -13 home faves for the contest. At the time of writing, the total was sitting at 55.

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 14

December 9, 2014


Overall Notes

NFL WEEK 14 RESULTS
Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 11-5
Against the Spread 8-8
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 6-10
Against the Spread 5-11
Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 6-10

NFL OVERALL RESULTS
Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 136-69-1
Against the Spread 100-100-4
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 116-87-1
Against the Spread 101-100-3
Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 101-102-3
Biggest Favorite to Cash

Detroit (-10.5) continued to roll at Ford Field by avoiding a letdown with a 24-17 victory over the upset-minded Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford tossed three touchdowns for the Lions, who are 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS at home this season.

Biggest Underdog to Cash

The Falcons (+13.5) picked themselves up off the mat after going down 31-7 at halftime, rallying for the cover. The Falcons scored a TD with 12:33 left in the fourth quarter to pull within 10, and get back in good shape for the cover. However, their lead was short-lived, as the Packers struck for a 60-yard pass play and score just 1:55 later, putting the Packers in line for the cover despite a missed extra point which could have factored in big if the game ended up a 13-point margin rather than 14. The Falcons answered back, then the Packers hit a field goal to go up 13. The blocked extra point ended up not factoring in, as the Falcons scored the final points of the game with 2:11 for the cover.

Home/Away

Road teams went 7-2 in the early games on Sunday. The only home squads to win in the 1:00 games were Minnesota and Detroit, as the Vikings pulled off an overtime victory over the Jets, 30-24, while grabbing a frontdoor cover.

Highway Chalk

In the four early games that featured road favorites, all four squads (Indianapolis, Houston, N.Y. Giants, and St. Louis) picked up victories, while this group went 3-1 ATS. The Colts (-3) rallied late to stun the Browns, 25-24, overcoming a pair of defensive touchdowns by Cleveland. The Texans, Giants, and Rams all won by double-digits, while St. Louis pulled off its second consecutive shutout.

Silver and Back

Break up the Raiders, who won for the second time in three games following an 0-10 start with Sunday's 24-13 home triumph of San Francisco as 8.5-point underdogs. Derek Carr outdueled Colin Kaepernick as the Oakland rookie quarterback tossed three touchdowns, while the Raiders' defefnse limited San Francisco to 248 yards.

Not so Sunny

All three Sunshine State teams lost, including the Jaguars and Dolphins at home. Miami blew an early 10-0 lead in a 28-13 defeat to Baltimore as three-point favorites in a virtual playoff game for positioning in the AFC. Jacksonville couldn't capitalize off last week's dramatic victory over the Giants, as the Jags fell short in a 27-13 setback to the Texans as 6.5-point underdogs.

Flying High

The Seahawks won on the East Coast for the third time in three tries this season, knocking off the Eagles, 24-14 in a key NFC showdown. Seattle opened up as one-point underdogs, but closed as 1.5-point favorites to improve to 4-3 on the road. Philadelphia suffered its first regular season loss at Lincoln Financial Field in the past 11 tries.

Totals

In the first full December card, the 'under' came through in nine of 14 games on Sunday, including a perfect 4-0 to the 'under' in the late contests Sunday, with the 'over' hitting Monday night.

The Steelers (42) and Panthers (41) were the top-scoring teams on Sunday, as Carolina barely went 'over' the total of 50.5 in a 41-10 win at New Orleans. Pittsburgh blew up in the fourth quarter at Cincinnati with a 25-point output, as the Steelers cruised to a 42-21 drubbing with a total of 47.5.

Indianapolis had an opportunity to pick up a push on the 50 total at Cleveland by just kicking the extra-point after the go-ahead touchdown, but the Colts went for a two-point conversion and missed it. The Colts actually went for another two-point converstion earlier and didn't convert, costing 'over' bettors for a free two points in a 25-24 win.

The Jets-Vikings game had the lowest total (40) on the board, as Minnesota led at halftime, 21-15 to pretty much guarantee an 'over.' The Jets tied the game at 21-21 early in the fourth, as New York snapped a four-game streak to the 'under' in a 30-24 loss.

Notable streaks that were extended and came to a close are listed below.

The Bills have cashed the 'under' in five consecutive games, while owning the best 'under' mark in the league at 11-2.

Tampa Bay's six-game 'under' streak came to a close in the 34-17 loss at Detroit on a 41.5 total.

The 'over' for Green Bay snapped a two-game 'under' slide. Overall this season, the over is 6-1 at home for the Packers, and 10-3 overall.

[StarDust Bum]

TOP POWER LINES

Users of our matchup reports are familiar with our Power Line ratings, calculated using both teams' ratings and home field advantage. The Top Power Lines tool offers a way to view and compare current Power Lines in one simple report, as well as the Power Line Edge, where the Power Line differs significantly from the current line.


NFL > (315) MIAMI @ (316) NEW ENGLAND | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: NEW ENGLAND -8 ******* PowerLine: NEW ENGLAND -14
Edge On: NEW ENGLAND (6)

NFL > (307) JACKSONVILLE @ (308) BALTIMORE | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: BALTIMORE -14 ******* PowerLine: BALTIMORE -20
Edge On: BALTIMORE (6)

NFL > (319) WASHINGTON @ (320) NY GIANTS | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: NY GIANTS -7 ******* PowerLine: NY GIANTS -12
Edge On: NY GIANTS (5)

NFL > (305) OAKLAND @ (306) KANSAS CITY | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: KANSAS CITY -10.5 ******* PowerLine: KANSAS CITY -16
Edge On: KANSAS CITY (5.5)

NFL > (313) CINCINNATI @ (314) CLEVELAND | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: CLEVELAND 0 ******* PowerLine: CLEVELAND -1
Edge On: CLEVELAND (1)

NFL > (317) TAMPA BAY @ (318) CAROLINA | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: CAROLINA -6 ******* PowerLine: CAROLINA -8
Edge On: CAROLINA (2)

NFL > (311) HOUSTON @ (312) INDIANAPOLIS | 12/14/2014 - 01:00 PM
Line: INDIANAPOLIS -6.5 ******* PowerLine: INDIANAPOLIS -7
Edge On: INDIANAPOLIS (0.5)

NFL > (325) NY JETS @ (326) TENNESSEE | 12/14/2014 - 04:05 PM
Line: TENNESSEE 2 ******* PowerLine: TENNESSEE 4
Edge On: TENNESSEE (2)

NFL > (327) DENVER @ (328) SAN DIEGO | 12/14/2014 - 04:05 PM
Line: SAN DIEGO 4 ******* PowerLine: SAN DIEGO 3
Edge On: SAN DIEGO (1)

NFL > (329) SAN FRANCISCO @ (330) SEATTLE | 12/14/2014 - 04:25 PM
Line: SEATTLE -10 ******* PowerLine: SEATTLE -15
Edge On: SEATTLE (5)

NFL > (323) MINNESOTA @ (324) DETROIT | 12/14/2014 - 04:25 PM
Line: DETROIT -8 ******* PowerLine: DETROIT -7
Edge On: DETROIT (1)

NFL > (331) DALLAS @ (332) PHILADELPHIA | 12/14/2014 - 08:30 PM
Line: PHILADELPHIA -3 ******* PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA -8
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA (5)

NFL > (333) NEW ORLEANS @ (334) CHICAGO | 12/15/2014 - 08:30 PM
Line: CHICAGO 3 ******* PowerLine: CHICAGO 4
Edge On: CHICAGO (1)

[StarDust Bum]

Panthers have new focus after big win

December 8, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Panthers can become only the second team in NFL history to make the postseason with a losing record in a non-strike-shortened season.

Coach Ron Rivera would prefer not to talk about that though.

Rivera said he wants his players' focus on Sunday's game against Tampa Bay - and not the convoluted NFC South playoff picture - following Carolina's biggest win of the season, a 41-10 shellacking of the New Orleans Saints that catapulted the Panthers back into the playoff hunt.

In other words, forget what he said two weeks ago.

Coming out of the bye, Rivera stepped out of character and openly discussed Carolina's chances of winning the NFC South if it could win out, hoping to motivate his players. That's a mistake the fourth-year coach probably won't make again after the Panthers (4-8-1) got thumped by Minnesota, 31-13.

''We're facing Tampa - and we have to beat Tampa,'' Rivera said.

The 2010 Seattle Seahawks made the playoffs with a 7-9 record. The scenario for the Panthers qualifying at 7-8-1 is not as farfetched as you might think.

If the Panthers win their final three games - against Tampa Bay and Cleveland at home and Atlanta on the road - and the Saints and Falcons each lose one other game, the Panthers will repeat as NFC South champions. The Falcons play at Green Bay on Monday night.

Carolina has renewed confidence following its first win in 63 days, a game that prompted a universal ''where did that come from?'' from an otherwise frustrated fan base.

''That's not far from the feeling here'' in our locker room, center Ryan Kalil said with a laugh.

The dominating performance has given the Panthers new hope that maybe, just maybe, they've started to figure things out.

The Panthers scored on their first three possessions and jumped out to a 24-3 halftime lead - and then seemed to take out a season's worth of frustrations against the Saints on both sides of the ball.

''When you execute like that, it's fun to watch and when you don't, it's hard to watch,'' quarterback Cam Newton said after Sunday's win. ''So as an offense, my job is to put up points any which way possible, and when the offensive line is playing as well as they did, and our running backs are running like they were, and our guys are catching the ball like they were, it's hard to lose.''

The fourth-year quarterback had been in the worst slump of his career with nine interceptions and only six touchdown passes during the team's six-game losing streak.

He broke out in a big way against the Saints, throwing for 226 yards and three TDs and snapped a string of eight straight games with an interception.

Rivera attributed Newton's ''exceptional'' performance to recent stability on the offensive line, confidence from scoring touchdowns early, and offensive coordinator Mike Shula's decision to use the no-huddle offense early on.

The no-huddle is something that worked well for the Panthers early in the season.

''When it's on, we are pretty good at it,'' tight end Greg Olsen said.

The defense, led by coordinator Sean McDermott and his staff, was brilliant too, holding Drew Brees without a touchdown until the waning moments of the fourth quarter.

Rivera said the danger now is looking ahead and what other NFC South are doing and not focusing on the task at hand. He thinks the Panthers might have got caught up in that earlier this year after going 12-4 last season and earning a first-round bye in the 2013 playoffs.

''I wouldn't be surprised because of the expectations, and the talk about it,'' Rivera said. ''We came off a good year and had some pretty good pieces in place. But the emphasis has to be don't look at who we play, don't look at the end of the race - just run the race.''

[StarDust Bum]

Bengals' Lewis calls Manziel 'a midget'

December 8, 2014

CLEVELAND (AP) - As Johnny Manziel waits to see if the Browns will make him their starting quarterback this week, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called the rookie ''a midget'' during a radio interview on Monday night.

Speaking on a weekly Bengals show on WLW-AM in Cincinnati, Lewis was asked if the uncertainty about Cleveland's quarterback situation affected their preparation for a game Sunday in Cleveland. Browns coach Mike Pettine hasn't decided if the 6-foot Manziel will replace struggling starter Brian Hoyer and make his first NFL start against the Bengals.

''No, it doesn't,'' Lewis said. ''It doesn't at all. You'll get a little bit more movement if Manziel's the quarterback, the thing that they did against (last week against) Buffalo. But other than that, no, it doesn't impact you at all. You've got to go defend the offense, you don't defend the player.''

As one of the program's hosts began asking another question, Lewis interrupted and said, ''particularly a midget.''

Through the team's publicity department, Lewis later apologized for the comment.

''I apologize to Johnny, the Browns and to all the fans in Cleveland,'' Lewis said in his statement. ''It was just a poor remark. I really didn't mean anything by it.''

A message was left seeking comment from the Browns.

The Bengals (8-4-1) lead the AFC North by a half-game over Pittsburgh and Baltimore following a 42-21 loss to the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The Browns beat the Bengals 24-3 in a Thursday night game on Nov. 6, with Hoyer completing 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards.

Pettine said Monday that he might be leaning toward switching to Manziel, who came off the bench two weeks ago against the Bills. Hoyer has thrown just one touchdown pass and eight interceptions in his last four games.

Pettine considered a switch last week but decided to stick with Hoyer, the Cleveland-area native who had the Browns (7-6) in the hunt for their first playoff appearance since 2002.

---

[StarDust Bum]

Bears' Marshall out for rest of season

December 8, 2014

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - Chicago Bears star receiver Brandon Marshall was placed on injured reserve Monday because of rib and lung injuries and will miss the rest of the season.

Marshall broke two ribs and hurt his lung in the second quarter of Thursday's 41-28 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The five-time Pro Bowl receiver was hit in the right side by the knee of Dallas defensive back Barry Church after making a catch and was taken from the stadium in an ambulance.

Marshall is out of the hospital, but he won't be suiting up again this season.

He was limited by ankle injuries early in the year and finished with 61 catches for 721 yards, ending a string a seven straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Losing Marshall is just another blow for the Bears (5-8), who will miss the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years. Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs (groin) and cornerback Charles Tillman (torn right triceps) have also suffered season-ending injuries.

Marshall has 773 receptions for 9,771 yards and 65 touchdowns in nine seasons with Denver, Miami and Chicago. Since entering the NFL in 2006, he ranks third in the league in receptions and fifth in yards receiving and touchdown catches. In three seasons with the Bears, he has 279 receptions for 3,524 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.

Besides placing Marshall on injured reserve, the Bears elevated receiver Josh Bellamy from the practice squad. Bellamy has appeared in nine games over three seasons with Kansas City (2012), Washington (2013) and Chicago (2014), playing mostly on special teams.

[StarDust Bum]

Resilient Steelers bounce back - again

December 8, 2014

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pittsburgh Steelers are good again. For a week anyway.

Yet if one of the NFL's most enigmatic teams has learned anything over the last three months, it's that stringing success from one Sunday to the next remains tricky. This week's season-salvaging triumph is next week's gut-punch loss. Thirteen weeks into an equally parts promising and puzzling season, Pittsburgh finally insists it's ready to stop running in place.

''I feel like this time of the year, you're not allowed to have those slip-ups anymore,'' linebacker Arthur Moats said. ''If we want to be a team like we're trying to be, we have to be successful this week.''

Good luck with that. A trip to Atlanta is the only thing between the Steelers (8-5) and a two-game homestand against Kansas City and the Bengals that will determine whether they make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Three wins and Pittsburgh captures the AFC North. Two and a return to January football is likely. Anything less - and the Steelers will almost certainly be favored in all three games - and another long offseason awaits.

The math is simple. Breaking a pattern in which the Steelers have mixed euphoric wins against contenders to confounding losses to also-rans is not.

Maybe that's why dozens of players showed up at the team facility on Monday even though coach Mike Tomlin gave them the day off.

''The actions on your off days speak a lot about you,'' Moats said.

Moats spent the first four seasons of his career in Buffalo, admitting ''during my first two or three years there, going into the bye week, you pretty much knew it was over.''

Not this time. As uneven as Pittsburgh has been this fall, when the Steelers are on they are every bit as explosive as New England or Denver. The problem is what happens when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and stars Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are off.

Pittsburgh is on pace to set a club record for points in a season, needing to average just 19 points over the final three weeks to eclipse the 416 scored by the 1979 team that won the franchise's fourth Super Bowl in season years. That club went 12-4 and won eight games by at least 11 points. The current group only has three blowouts under its belt, and while the romp over the Bengals qualifies, the Steelers still entered the fourth quarter trailing before scoring four times in less than 10 minutes.

''I don't care about the style points,'' coach Mike Tomlin said. ''We're just trying to do what is necessary to get out of these stadiums with wins.''

Of course, Tomlin would like to do it with some consistency. And while the Chiefs and Bengals will almost certainly have Pittsburgh's attention on the final two weekends of the season, who knows what awaits in Atlanta. The Falcons are under .500 but in first place in the NFC South. The last time the Steelers faced a team like that, New Orleans blew them off the field.

It's why Moats, at best, is cautiously optimistic. He's not the only player trying to make the postseason for the first time in his career. It can be a painful learning process. Truth is, the losses to Tampa Bay, the New York Jets and New Orleans didn't seem as crushing in the moment. Any similar missteps here on out and the repercussions will extend into a murky future.

''If you lose a game now, you're talking about losing the division, missing the playoffs,'' Moats said.

He welcomes the pressure while allowing the defense needs to improve. Moats' fourth-quarter fumble recovery kickstarted Pittsburgh's late surge, one that was required after the Bengals spent three quarters popping one big play after the next. When it mattered, however, the Steelers shut the door.

The win allowed Moats to check his phone in the giddy aftermath to see how the rest of the AFC contenders fared. It beats the alternative, though the veterans in the locker room know it's best to focus on their own games. Win games and what everyone else does hardly matters.

''Every week is kind of a playoff week for us,'' Roethlisberger said. ''We're going to give it everything we have every week. And it doesn't get any easier moving forward.''

Something the Steelers know only too well.

[StarDust Bum]

Browns' Manziel to make first start

December 9, 2014

CLEVELAND (AP) - Go, Johnny.

Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start on Sunday against Cincinnati, replacing the slumping Brian Hoyer as Cleveland tries to pump life into its sagging playoff hopes.

Manziel, one of college football's most captivating players, is getting his shot with three games left in a season he has spent as Hoyer's backup on the sideline. Browns coach Mike Pettine made the switch after meeting with his staff and general manager Ray Farmer, then informing both quarterbacks. Pettine hinted Monday he was leaning toward Manziel, a decision many Browns fans have wanted for weeks.

Manziel's debut start will come in Cleveland's final home game. He'll have three games to show the Browns if he can be the franchise quarterback they've coveted for two decades.

Manziel is the Browns' 21st starting quarterback since 1999.

Even before Manziel was told he'll start, the possibility sparked some controversy with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis calling the 6-footer ''a midget'' on Monday night. Lewis later apologized, but the jab stirred up the Ohio rivalry.

Hoyer has been awful in his last four games, throwing just one touchdown pass and eight interceptions. It hasn't been all Hoyer's fault as teammates have dropped passes and run pass routes incorrectly, but Cleveland needs a spark.

Pettine considered the switch a week ago but stuck with Hoyer, who has gone 10-6 as Cleveland's starter. Hoyer had two interceptions on Sunday in a 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, who rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter. The Browns' offense couldn't get anything going in the second half behind Hoyer, picking up just three first downs.

Manziel's promotion could signal the end of Hoyer's time with the Browns. A Cleveland-area kid who grew up attending Browns games with his dad, Hoyer, who battled back from a season-ending knee injury in 2013, is in the final year of his contract. With Manziel around, it's likely Hoyer will have to sign elsewhere if he wants to remain a starter.

The No. 22 overall pick in this year's draft, the popular and polarizing Manziel has been on the field just 18 plays this season. He came off the bench two weeks ago in the fourth quarter for Hoyer at Buffalo completed 5 of 8 passes and scored on a 10-yard touchdown run.

Manziel won the Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M, where his ability to improvise made him a star and earned him his Johnny Football nickname.

The Browns are hoping he can perform some of that magic on Sundays.

Manziel couldn't beat out Hoyer during training camp and the 22-year-old's off-the-field behavior, which included weekend trips to Las Vegas, led to outside criticism of his maturity and commitment. The Browns held off on playing him until they felt he was ready, and now Pettine has put the team's season in Manziel's hands.

[StarDust Bum]

Saints tell WR Morgan he's been cut

December 9, 2014

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A person familiar with the situation says the Saints have told receiver Joe Morgan that he has been released.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because the roster move has not been announced.

Morgan, whose release was first reported by NFL.com, had four catches for 92 yards this season and played during Sunday's 41-10 loss to Carolina. He was also suspended for two games by coach Sean Payton for an undisclosed team violation.

The release comes a day after Payton, whose team has lost four of five games, warned that he would not rule out any lineup changes.

Payton had stuck with Morgan through major injuries and an offseason drunk driving arrest.

Morgan's best season was 2012, when he had 10 catches for 379 yards and three touchdowns.

--------------------------

Eagles look to avoid consecutive losses

December 9, 2014

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Eagles went from being considered Super Bowl contenders to longshots in a one-week span.

That's why Chip Kelly preaches: ''Praise and blame are all the same.''

After dominating the Cowboys in a 33-10 win on Thanksgiving, the Eagles had seemingly stamped themselves as one of the elite teams in the NFC. But they followed up with a 24-14 loss at home to the Seahawks that dropped into the second tier behind Green Bay (10-3), Arizona (10-3) and Seattle (9-4).

They're 9-4 and tied with Dallas for first place in the NFC East going into Sunday's rematch against the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.

''They understand it doesn't define you,'' Kelly said about a bad loss. ''Someone says that you played well and you're real happy about it and then someone says you play poorly. I think you have to answer to yourself.''

The Eagles have been a resilient team under Kelly. They haven't lost consecutive games since Week 7 and 8 last year. They're 16-5 since.

Each time they've lost this season, the Eagles rebounded with two straight wins. They're averaging 36 points per game following a loss. They'll need another strong bounce-back effort and the Cowboys are the perfect opponent.

''This team has good resolve,'' Kelly said. ''There's no better thing to get their attention than playing the Dallas Cowboys at home in the Linc in front of our crowd, so I think they will be fired up for it.''

The Eagles practiced indoors Tuesday because of rainy weather, focusing on the mistakes they made against Seattle.

''We don't look at it like the past game is going to dictate our success this week,'' tight end Zach Ertz said. ''It's the business of football. It's a roller coaster. The highs are high and the lows are low.''

Kelly relies on his veteran players to make sure younger guys don't dwell on losses, especially when the stakes upcoming are high.

''We have a mature group of guys so that's never a problem,'' linebacker Connor Barwin said. ''This game is so important so late in the season.''

It might be tougher for some players to forget the loss to the Seahawks because guys like Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett criticized the Eagles afterward. But the Eagles realize there's a chance they'll play the Seahawks again in the playoffs.

First, they have to beat the Cowboys.

''They were the better team, but hopefully we see them down the road,'' linebacker Trent Cole said of Seattle. ''Our focus is on Dallas. It's a very big game and we have to win.''

NOTES: The Eagles released CB Roc Carmichael without making a corresponding roster move.

--------------------------------------------------

49ers activate LB NaVorro Bowman

December 9, 2014

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - The San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday activated linebacker NaVorro Bowman to the 53-man roster from the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

Bowman has been rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee that has kept him out since the injury in January's NFC title game at Seattle.

Bowman, who was drafted by the 49ers in 2010, had appeared in every game San Francisco played over the previous four years and had started 58, including the playoffs. He had a spectacular season in 2013, with career highs in tackles (192), solo tackles (118) and sacks (5).

The team has also placed tight end Vance McDonald on injured reserve. McDonald has appeared in 23 games and has 10 receptions for 149 yards for his career.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bengals put linebacker Burfict on IR

December 9, 2014

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bengals put middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict on the injured reserve list on Tuesday, ending a season cut short by concussions and knee surgery.

Burfict was the Bengals' leading tackler in each of the past two seasons and made the Pro Bowl last season. He missed two full games and parts of others early in the season after getting two concussions. He had surgery to clean out his left knee on Oct. 29 and never got healthy enough to play again.

Burfict started only five games and had 29 tackles.

The Bengals also activated quarterback AJ McCarron, who has been sidelined since training camp by a sore passing shoulder. The fifth-round pick from Alabama was cleared to rejoin practice three weeks ago.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewis sorry he called Manziel 'midget'

December 9, 2014

CINCINNATI (AP) - Bengals coach Marvin Lewis apologized again on Tuesday for calling Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel ''a midget,'' saying his comment was insensitive and offensive.

Lewis called the 6-foot quarterback ''a midget'' during a radio show on Monday night and later issued an apology.

He released a statement on Tuesday saying he realizes that his comment ''was offensive to people of short stature and to their families and friends. It was thoughtless on my part to use the word I did, and not excusable, and I greatly regret it.''

Lewis says he has read about the issue on the Little People of America website.

He has also apologized to Manziel and the Browns (7-6). The Bengals (8-4-1) play in Cleveland on Sunday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bart Starr making slow, steady recovery

December 9, 2014

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Bart Starr, one of the Green Bay Packers most beloved quarterbacks, is making slow, but steady progress after recently suffering two strokes, a heart attack and seizures, his son says.

Bart Starr Jr. stood in for his father at a Rawhide charity fundraising event near Green Bay on Monday and was eager to tell the crowd about a text he had received just hours earlier while traveling to Wisconsin. His dad had taken his first steps in about three months since suffering two strokes, a heart attack and seizures in Alabama.

''This process,'' Starr Jr. said, ''it's not linear. You have to make a little progress, then you struggle a little bit, then you make a little progress and so forth. But when you do have one of those steps, it's something to celebrate.''

Starr Jr. says he's cautiously optimistic his father, who turns 81 next month, will be able to return to the Rawhide event next year and also make an appearance at Lambeau Field. But, that the first weeks after the health setbacks were full of uncertainty.

''The first problem is there's only so much you can take and the issue is whether you're going to survive at all,'' he said. ''After that, it's how much you can recover? This is a big, big deal in terms of recovery so we can get him back to this event and Packers games.''

Starr Jr. said his father wants to return to Green Bay when Brett Favre's jersey is retired. Starr was scheduled to appear with Favre when the Packers hosted the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9, but his health issues postponed the event. Favre also appeared at the Rawhide event in Ashwaubenon Monday.

Starr, who played for the Packers from 1956 to 1971, led the Packers to five NFL championships as well as the first two Super Bowls.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Union: "Not consulted on conduct policy"

December 9, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) - The players' union says it has not had input into a revamped personal conduct policy the NFL is preparing.

NFL owners are meeting Wednesday in Irving, Texas, and are expected to see a framework for changes to the policy. The union has sought to have any alterations to the policy negotiated.

The current policy was part of the 2011 collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. But in the wake of the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases, portions of the policy are being reworked.

''In the latest of four talks (about the personal conduct policy) they progressively got less interested,'' NFL Players Association President Eric Winston said of the NFL during a conference call Tuesday. ''And we found out before this last meeting that they were already planning to present it. They basically asked us to a meeting as a farce, to say they met with the players three or four times.

''We found out a personal conduct (policy presentation) would be rolled out this week to the owners.''

Added union executive Zak DeOssie: ''We got an invitation and the topic was the conduct policy and we sort of knew going into that meeting that they were not entertaining the idea of this being a collectively bargained issue. We asked a bunch of times, `Is this what we are about to talk about, collectively bargained?' And they reiterated no.

''We were left with no choice to not engage with them with any sort of policy that the owners are going to see.''

Among the union's aims is to have Commissioner Roger Goodell's role in handing out discipline reduced or even eliminated.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said the union's proposal ''would weaken the policy.''

''The commissioner's disciplinary authority for off-field conduct was negotiated as part of the 2011 CBA,'' Aiello said in an email to The Associated Press. ''The personal conduct policy applies to all NFL personnel and has never been the subject of collective bargaining. It has been in place for almost 20 years (since 1997).''

The players argue that Goodell has mishandled discipline for Rice and Peterson. They point to how former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones said Goodell's decision in September to change Rice's original suspension from two games to indefinite was ''arbitrary'' and an ''abuse of discretion.'' Jones then threw out the suspension, making Rice a free agent. He has not signed with any team.

And the union cites Peterson's punishment: Goodell suspended him until next April 15 after the Minnesota Vikings running back pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch. Peterson's appeal was heard by Harold Henderson last week. Henderson, a former NFL executive, was appointed by Goodell to rule on the appeal and is expected to do so soon.

''We reiterate it is a bad process and we've got to figure out a way to get out of a bad process,'' Winston said.

The league responded earlier this month to the union's demand for negotiations on the conduct policy with a letter from NFL general counsel Jeff Pash. He wrote that the NFL is prepared to discuss modifying the CBA section regarding discipline ''to provide that the initial disciplinary decision would be made by someone other than the commissioner or his designee. We would be prepared to consult with the NFLPA on the identity of such a disciplinary officer.''

But any appeal would continue to be heard by the commissioner or his designee.

Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman, also a member of the NFLPA's executive council, is not enamored of that plan.

''We hear the owners say we are partners,'' Sherman said. ''I think both sides should have input. Every time a decision is made, it should be both sides having input.''

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panthers' Newton involved in car crash

December 9, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was taken to a hospital Tuesday after being involved in a two-vehicle crash not far from the team's stadium in Charlotte.

Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance. Charlotte Mecklenburg police spokesman Robert Tufano said his injuries were non-life-threatening, and photos from the Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old Newton smiling as he was attended to by an officer on the ground.

Carolina spokesman Charlie Dayton said the team is closely monitoring the crash and will have more information later on Newton.

A black pickup truck that Tufano said Newton was driving was overturned on the roadway with debris scattered all over the street. The roof was caved in and a tow was hauling it away. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front end damage.

The police were investigating how the crash happened on a bridge that crosses busy I-277 in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers play.

Newton has 2,800 yards passing this season with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also has rushed for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 4-8-1 record.

An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship.

As word of the accident spread online, NFL players started sending good wishes on social media. ''Praying for (at)CameronNewton,'' Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck tweeted.

He threw three touchdown passes in Carolina's 41-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, his best game in nearly a month-and-a-half. He also broke a string of eight straight games with an interception.

The win put the Panthers back in the playoff hunt, one-half game behind the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints (both 5-8).

Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and was inserted as the franchise's starter right away. He has only missed one game this season, the opener at Tampa Bay. Newton has one year left on his rookie contract after the Panthers picked up a $15 million option for 2015.

The Panthers have repeatedly said Newton is a guy they view as their franchise quarterback moving forward.

It has been a rough year the two-time Pro Bowler.

After the Panthers fell at home to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs in January, Newton had ankle surgery in March that sidelined him for all but one of the team's spring practices.

He returned for the start of the training camp, but then suffered another setback when he fractured his ribs during a preseason game against the New England Patriots.

The injuries forced Newton to miss Carolina's season opener.

He has said he's not been close to 100 percent all season.

Newton is 23-31-1 as an NFL starter in the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs.

Derek Anderson is the team's backup quarterback and would be first in line to replace Newton if he is unable to play Sunday against Tampa Bay (2-10). Anderson started and led Carolina to a season-opening victory against the Bucs.

[StarDust Bum]

Chiefs' Charles, Hali held out with injuries

December 10, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, linebacker Tamba Hali and tight end Anthony Fasano were held out of practice Wednesday with knee injuries.

All of them are considered day to day, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Defensive lineman Allen Bailey also missed practice as he continues to recover from a concussion, but wide receiver Junior Hemingway returned to the field after passing his concussion tests. Hemingway had missed the previous two games.

The Chiefs (7-6) have lost three straight, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. They play the Oakland Raiders on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

-----------------------------------------------------

Jaguars placing RB Robinson on IR

December 10, 2014

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - The Jacksonville Jaguars are placing running back Denard Robinson on injured reserve with a mid-foot sprain.

Robinson hurt his right foot early in Sunday's loss against Houston, but stayed in the game. It was still bothering him Wednesday, and tests revealed an injury that takes six to eight weeks to heal.

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley says Toby Gerhart, who opened the season as the starter before getting supplanted by Robinson, likely will start Sunday at Baltimore. Rookie Storm Johnson also is expected to get back in the mix. A seventh-round draft pick from UCF, Johnson has been inactive the last six games.

Robinson finishes the season with 582 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Gerhart has 211 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Worst time for short week for Cardinals

December 10, 2014

Even as the Arizona Cardinals are presented an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth, they have plenty to be concerned about.

Injuries, for one. No contender's lineup has been more damaged than Arizona's, with the latest being the sidelining of top running back Andre Ellington.

It's somewhat astonishing that they not only lead the NFC West, but could grab a wild-card spot with a victory at St. Louis on Thursday night.

Much easier said than done. The Rams come off consecutive shutouts - yes, they were against Oakland and Washington, and we're not exactly talking the John Madden Raiders or Joe Gibbs Redskins. Still, St. Louis is not a team anyone wants any part of right now.

Particularly the defense.

''They've always been as good a front four as anybody in the league and you're watching them jell and become an outstanding defense,'' Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says. ''(Safety) Mark Barron was a great addition. They've stayed healthy, that's a big thing.''

Preparation is at a premium for a short week, but neither is a fancy team with a lot of tricks. Most important is keeping your own house in order, according to Rams coach Jeff Fisher.

''I'm fine with a Thursday night game. It's just getting to Thursday night, which is the challenge as coaches,'' he says. ''In essence what you do is you pick up an extra bye week. This one is as late as it's been for me in the season, almost mid-December.''

Despite their records, the Rams (6-7, No 19 in AP Pro32) are 3 1-2-point favorites over the Cardinals (10-3, No. 6 AP Pro32).

On a full week, with a healthier roster, the pick would be Arizona. That's not the situation at all, so ...

RAMS, 17-16

No. 16 (tie) Miami (plus 7 1-2) at No. 2 New England

Patriots clinch division with win. BEST BET on it.

BEST BET: PATRIOTS, 31-10

No. 31 New York Jets (minus 1) at No. 32 Tennessee

Loser might earn No. 1 overall draft pick, as well as bottom spot in power rankings. That would be J-E-T-S.

UPSET SPECIAL: TITANS, 16-13

No. 4 Denver (minus 4) at No. 13 San Diego

Like Patriots, Broncos take care of their division.

BRONCOS, 27-21

No. 15 Houston (plus 6 1-2) at No. 7 Indianapolis

Ditto for Colts, albeit in close one.

COLTS, 30-27

No. 12 Cincinnati (pick `em) at No. 20 Cleveland

Johnny Football starts off with loss.

BENGALS, 20-14

No. 1 Green Bay (minus 5) at No. 16 (tie) Buffalo

Packers could be playoff-bound by end of Sunday's action.

PACKERS, 24-20

No. 18 San Francisco (plus 9 1-2) at No. 3 Seattle

Not nearly the once-anticipated showdown it was. Niners keep it close.

SEAHAWKS, 23-17

No. 9 Dallas (minus 3 1-2) at No. 5 Philadelphia

Still very anticipated. Eagles finish off sweep of Cowboys.

EAGLES, 30-23

No. 30 Washington (plus 6 1-2) at No. 26 New York Giants

Not at all anticipated.

GIANTS, 31-20

No. 22 Minnesota (plus 7 1-2) at No. 8 Detroit

Lions inch closer to postseason berth.

LIONS, 26-17

No. 29 Jacksonville (plus 13 1-2) at No. 10 Baltimore

So do Ravens, who might steal AFC North.

RAVENS, 28-13

No. 11 Pittsburgh (minus 2) at No. 23 Atlanta

Can banged-up Falcons lose their way into playoffs?

STEELERS, 23-20

No. 27 Oakland (plus 10 1-2) at No. 14 Kansas City

Previous loss to Raiders ruined KC's season. Won't be a repeat.

CHIEFS, 17-14

No. 24 New Orleans (minus 3) at No. 25 Chicago, Monday night

The Monday night mess. Any good hockey on TV that night?

SAINTS, 27-26

No. 28 Tampa Bay (OFF) at No. 21 Carolina

Cam Newton's uncertain availability eliminates betting line.

BUCCANEERS, 16-13

---

2014 RECORD: Against spread: This week (10-5-1); Season (100-100-5). Straight up: This week (12-4); Season (137-69-1)

Best Bet: 5-9 against spread, 8-6 straight up.

Upset special: 7-7 against spread, 5-9 straight up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Texans place Clowney on injured reserve

December 10, 2014

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Texans have placed top overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney on the injured reserve two days after he had microfracture surgery on his right knee.

The surgery was the second this season for the outside linebacker. He had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee after being injured in Week 1.

He played three games since the first procedure but continued to struggle with pain and swelling in his knee before deciding to have the second surgery.

The move ends a tough rookie year for the 21-year-old who had sports hernia surgery in the offseason and a concussion in training camp before injuring his knee in his first NFL game.

Houston signed linebacker Jason Ankrah from the practice squad to take his spot on the roster.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gruden will name starting QB later in week

December 10, 2014

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden Wednesday didn't name who his starting quarterback will be, in part to try and keep the firestorm over his choice from erupting as was the case earlier this season.

''I'm not going to announce (the starter) until I see the week of practice, see how it goes,'' Gruden said after Wednesday's practice in which Colt McCoy, Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins all took snaps.

McCoy sprained his neck when sacked by St. Louis defensive end Robert Quinn in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Rams, his second start since replacing the struggling Griffin.

''It's just a matter of getting his full range of motion back, but he did good today,'' Gruden said of McCoy, the only one of the three quarterbacks who has won a game in which he played the whole way. ''We'll get (another) look at him tomorrow, see how he progresses.''

McCoy was limited in practice but expects to start again on Sunday when the reeling Redskins (3-10) visit the New York Giants (4-9).

''I'm doing a lot better, making good progress,'' said McCoy, who had no previous neck issues and said that doctors told him he can't aggravate the injury by playing on Sunday. ''I'm just dealing with a little aggravated disc, a little aggravated nerve in my neck. Hopefully if that calms down, we'll be fine. I don't need any more tests. As long as I'm breathing, as long as I can pick up a football, I'm going to go out there and help my team win. There's no other way to look at it. I thought I threw the ball well today.''

Neither Gruden nor McCoy blamed Quinn for the hit which came after center Kory Lichtensteiger snapped the ball too early and the Rams' leading pass-rusher had a free shot at the quarterback.

''It's a bang-bang play,'' said McCoy, who has been sacked 17 times in 138 drop-backs. ''I don't blame him. He's doing what he's taught to do: rush the passer. I wish the ref could have blown (the play) dead.''

Griffin, the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year, hasn't won a full start in 13 months.

He missed five games after dislocating his left ankle in the first quarter of Week 2 before playing in losses to Minnesota, Tampa Bay and San Francisco in Weeks 10-12.

''Your confidence can't be shaken by anything that happens in your career,'' said Griffin, who completed three of four passes for 33 yards and was sacked on the other after replacing McCoy for the final two minutes against the Rams in his first career relief stint. ''My confidence is still sky-high.''

Gruden said that Griffin had some good plays during practice, but also ''had some plays that I know he wish he could have back. We're looking for a decisive player at the position (who) will pull the trigger and get the ball out of his hands. . We're just going to get these guys reps and it's up to them to take advantage of the reps they get so the decision will be made easy for us tomorrow or Friday.''

Cousins started Washington's 45-14 home loss to New York in Week 4 but hasn't played since McCoy relieved him at halftime three weeks later after he had committed 11 turnovers in not quite five games.

NOTES: Receiver Andre Roberts and rookie cornerback Bashaud Breeland squared off after dueling on a pass route during practice. Gruden attributed what he said was a rare scuffle to frustration from Washington's ongoing five-game losing streak. . The Redskins filled their open roster spot with former Buffalo cornerback Justin Rogers. . Safety Brandon Meriweather (toe) and inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (knee), who both missed the Rams' game, didn't practice. Neither did nose tackle Barry Cofield (illness), defensive end Jason Hatcher (knee) and running back Roy Helu (toe), who was hurt against St. Louis. Defensive end Kedric Golston (back, foot) and receiver DeSean Jackson (legs), who both missed the Rams' game, were limited along with McCoy and offensive tackle Morgan Moses (ankle, foot).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panthers' Newton out, Anderson to start

December 10, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Cam Newton will not play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while recovering from an automobile crash that left him with two fractures in his lower back.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed Wednesday that Derek Anderson will start and Joe Webb will be his backup.

''I won't expose him,'' Rivera said. ''I don't want to put him in a bad position.''

Newton was discharged from the hospital earlier Wednesday, a day after he was injured when his truck crashed and overturned in a two-car accident. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police issued no citations for the accident.

Newton was not at the team's facility on Wednesday, though Rivera said he is expected to be in on Thursday and his playing status will be reevaluated next week.

The coach said he met with Newton on Tuesday at the hospital and ''in true Cam fashion, he was disappointed for his teammates. He feels like he is letting us all down.''

Rivera said Newton flashed his smile and ''when he did that you knew everything was going to be OK.''

The coach said he has confidence in Anderson, now in his 10th season.

''He's had some success in this league,'' Rivera said.

Anderson started against Tampa Bay in the season opener and threw two touchdown passes, leading the Panthers to a 20-14 victory.

Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said Wednesday that Newton is stiff and sore, but otherwise ''his spirits were high.''

Newton left the hospital with his family and will stay with them while recuperating. His father Cecil and mother Jackie, who live in Atlanta, arrived in Charlotte Tuesday after the accident.

A police report states that Newton was driving when a car driven by Nestor Pellot Jr., 46, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, pulled out in front of the fourth-year quarterback, causing his vehicle to flip. The report said Pellot didn't see Newton's truck at first and when he did, he tried to avoid a collision.

The report does not place blame on either driver.

However, the report lists two witnesses who said Pellot pulled out in front of Newton, causing $9,000 damage to the quarterback's 1998 Dodge truck. Pellot's 2013 Buick suffered $4,000 damage.

Like Newton, Pellot was also taken to the hospital but his injuries are unknown.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was at the league owner's meeting in Irving, Texas on Tuesday when he received a call from his office about the crash.

''I'm just thankful he was wearing a seatbelt and everyone involved is all right,'' Gettleman said Wednesday morning before boarding a plane back to Charlotte.

Gettleman said he was horrified by the photos from the accident scene and that it wasn't until sometime later he breathed a sigh of relief.

''You spend so much time with these guys and they become part of the family,'' Gettleman said.

The horrific-looking accident was the latest unfortunate turn in what has been a frustrating season for Newton.

He was coming off his best game of the season and the crash has left his return to the field in question.

Newton was diagnosed with two transverse process fractures, a similar injury description suffered by Brazalian soccer star Neymar and Dallas quarterback Tony Romo.

Neymar was sidelined about four weeks. Romo, who was injured against Washington, sat out one game before returning to action the following week.

However, Newton is asked to run more than Romo and takes more hits than any quarterback in the league.

The Panthers have three games left in the regular season.

They enter a crucial stretch one-half game behind the Saints and Falcons, both 5-8, in the NFC South. If the Panthers win their final three games and the Saints lose one game, Carolina will repeat as NFC South champions.

Ironically, Newton missed Carolina's first game against Tampa Bay in Week 1 while recovering from ankle surgery and fractured ribs in the preseason.

The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback is having a roller-coaster season, but put it all together Sunday against New Orleans. The Panthers (4-8-1) catapulted themselves back in the NFC South playoff race with a 41-10 rout of the Saints. Newton threw three touchdown passes and snapped a string of eight straight games with an interception.

An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship in 2010.

Newton is under contract through 2015 after the Panthers picked up a one-year option on his rookie deal. Newton will make approximately $15 million next season.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL line watch: Hang on to see if Manziel starts

Spread to bet on now

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-10.5)

In one year, this line has been stretched from a field goal game to 10.5, which says more about the 49ers than it does about the Seahawks. San Fran is 7-6 and just about cooked as far as the playoffs are concerned. Things are so bad that the coach is actually on the trading block and NFL GMs are saying that they would rather have Oakland rookie Derek Carr under center than Colin Kaepernick. Not exactly what the team had in mind for its first year in that new stadium. As for the 9-4 Seahawks, things are coming together after a rocky start and they have to be at least even money to catch 10-3 Arizona and win the NFC West. Tough to eat 10.5 points in a division game, but these are teams headed in opposite directions and we can’t see the books giving back that half-point.


Spread to wait on

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (+1)

Is it finally time for Johnny Manziel? Brian Hoyer knows that 14 for 31 with two interceptions in a losing effort just doesn’t get it done when the team’s No. 1 draft choice and the team’s fan base are chomping at the bit for change, and so the torch might be passed this coming Sunday in a game the Brownies must have to prevent another non-playoff season. If you like Manziel, hang on for a bit to see if he’s the starter. If you don’t like the rook’s chances in the biggest game of the year for Cleveland, you don’t want to be exposed if he does get the call.


Total to watch

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams (40.5)

No reason not to like the over in this one. Fast track, home team playing well and averaging more than 34 points in its last three games. Important division game for the Cardinals with Seattle breathing down their necks, but the signs point to points in this one. The Rams put up 52 against a half-decent Oakland defense at home two weeks ago, and while St. Louis has not given up a point in the last eight quarters, Arizona scored 31 up in their last meeting. Over, and pretty easily, in this one.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 15

Arizona at St. Louis
The Cardinals head to St. Louis to face a Rams team that is coming off a 24-0 win over Washington and is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games following a SU win of more than 14 points. St. Louis is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Rams favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-4). Here are all of this week's NFL picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

Game 301-302: Arizona at St. Louis (8:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 131.458; St. Louis 139.483
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 8; 44
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 4; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-4); Over


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

Game 305-306: Oakland at Kansas City (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 127.155; Kansas City 134.771
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 7 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 10 1/2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+7 1/2); Under

Game 307-308: Jacksonville at Baltimore (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 124.599; Baltimore 135.961
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 11 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 14; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+14); Under

Game 309-310: Pittsburgh at Atlanta (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 135.767; Atlanta 131.390
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 50
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2 1/2); Under

Game 311-312: Houston at Indianapolis (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 134.235; Indianapolis 138.303
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 4; 54
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 7; 49
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+7); Over

Game 313-314: Cincinnati at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 131.747; Cleveland 128.315
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 3 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Pick; 44
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati; Over

Game 315-316: Miami at New England (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 136.444; New England 142.038
Dunkel Line: New England by 5 1/2; 45
Vegas Line: New England by 7 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+7 1/2); Under

Game 317-318: Tampa Bay at Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 124.503; Carolina 132.956
Dunkel Line: Carolina by 7 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Carolina by 5; 42
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-5); Over

Game 319-320: Washington at NY Giants (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 120.205; NY Giants 131.298
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 11; 44
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 6 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (-6 1/2); Under

Game 321-322: Green Bay at Buffalo (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 140.821; Buffalo 138.550
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 2 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 6; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+6); Over

Game 323-324: Minnesota at Detroit (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 129.159; Detroit 139.578
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 10 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Detroit by 7 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-7 1/2); Under

Game 325-326: NY Jets at Tennessee (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 122.810; Tennessee 123.285
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 2; 42
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+2); Under

Game 327-328: Denver at San Diego (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 140.176; San Diego 133.229
Dunkel Line: Denver by 7; 46
Vegas Line: Denver by 4; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-4); Under

Game 329-330: San Francisco at Seattle (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 136.559; Seattle 144.109
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 7 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: Seattle by 10 1/2; 38
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+10 1/2); Under

Game 331-332: Dallas at Philadelphia (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 135.433; Philadelphia 136.386
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 50
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 55
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+3 1/2); Under


MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

Game 333-334: New Orleans at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 131.748; Chicago 126.308
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 54
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Over