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

[StarDust Bum]

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 15

Thursday, December 11

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ARIZONA (10 - 3) at ST LOUIS (6 - 7) - 12/11/2014, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
ST LOUIS is 102-139 ATS (-50.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

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

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Sunday, December 14

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OAKLAND (2 - 11) at KANSAS CITY (7 - 6) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 28-52 ATS (-29.2 Units) in December games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 27-50 ATS (-28.0 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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JACKSONVILLE (2 - 11) at BALTIMORE (8 - 5) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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PITTSBURGH (8 - 5) at ATLANTA (5 - 8) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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HOUSTON (7 - 6) at INDIANAPOLIS (9 - 4) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in dome games since 1992.
INDIANAPOLIS is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a home game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CINCINNATI (8 - 4 - 1) at CLEVELAND (7 - 6) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 63-91 ATS (-37.1 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.

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

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MIAMI (7 - 6) at NEW ENGLAND (10 - 3) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 165-125 ATS (+27.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) in December games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) revenging a loss against opponent since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 72-46 ATS (+21.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 53-32 ATS (+17.8 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in a home game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.

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

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TAMPA BAY (2 - 11) at CAROLINA (4 - 8 - 1) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 52-27 ATS (+22.3 Units) in December games since 1992.
CAROLINA is 73-41 ATS (+27.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
CAROLINA is 49-24 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1992.
CAROLINA is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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WASHINGTON (3 - 10) at NY GIANTS (4 - 9) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

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

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GREEN BAY (10 - 3) at BUFFALO (7 - 6) - 12/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 57-35 ATS (+18.5 Units) in December games since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 83-57 ATS (+20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 61-36 ATS (+21.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 54-32 ATS (+18.8 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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MINNESOTA (6 - 7) at DETROIT (9 - 4) - 12/14/2014, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 26-45 ATS (-23.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
DETROIT is 53-76 ATS (-30.6 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
DETROIT is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NY JETS (2 - 11) at TENNESSEE (2 - 11) - 12/14/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 2-0 against the spread versus NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE is 2-0 straight up against NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (10 - 3) at SAN DIEGO (8 - 5) - 12/14/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-2 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 5-1 straight up against SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 6) at SEATTLE (9 - 4) - 12/14/2014, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 58-34 ATS (+20.6 Units) in December games since 1992.
SEATTLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-0 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 4-2 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (9 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (9 - 4) - 12/14/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 33-54 ATS (-26.4 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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Monday, December 15

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NEW ORLEANS (5 - 8) at CHICAGO (5 - 8) - 12/15/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 15

Thursday, Dec. 11

Arizona at St Louis, 8:25 ET
Arizona: 7-0 ATS off a non-conference game
St Louis: 11-30 ATS revenging a same season loss against opponent


Sunday, Dec. 14

Oakland at Kansas City, 1:00 ET
Oakland: 0-6 ATS off a upset win as an underdog
Kansas City: 7-1 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders

Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1:00 ET
Jacksonville: 8-19 ATS as an underdog
Baltimore: 11-1 ATS in home games after scoring 25 points or more in 2 straight games

Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1:00 ET
Pittsburgh: 5-1 ATS after having won 2 out of their last 3 games
Atlanta: 3-10 ATS after gaining 275 or more passing yards in 3 straight games

Houston at Indianapolis, 1:00 ET
Houston: 2-11 ATS after playing their last game on the road over
Indianapolis: 14-4 ATS in home games against conference opponents

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
Cincinnati: 27-12 UNDER in road games after allowing 30 points or more last game
Cleveland: 27-9 UNDER as a home favorite of 3 points or less

Miami at New England, 1:00 ET
Miami: 8-1 UNDER versus division opponents
New England: 28-14 UNDER in home games off 2 or more consecutive unders

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 6-15 ATS against conference opponents
Carolina: 10-2 ATS off 1 or more straight overs

Washington at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
Washington: 4-14 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 35 or more points
New York: 53-27 ATS after outrushing opponent by 75 or more yards last game

Green Bay at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Green Bay: 23-8 OVER after allowing 35 points or more last game
Buffalo: 23-10 OVER after 3 or more consecutive wins against the spread

Minnesota at Detroit, 4:25 ET
Minnesota: 6-0 ATS revenging a same season loss against opponent
Detroit: 2-9 ATS off 1 or more straight overs

NY Jets at Tennessee, 4:05 ET
New York: 35-60 ATS off a road loss
Tennessee: 9-1 ATS after a loss by 28 or more points

Denver at San Diego, 4:05 ET
Denver: 27-15 ATS as a favorite
San Diego: 30-15 UNDER revenging a loss where opponent scored 28 or more points

San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 ET
San Francisco: 8-0 ATS after having lost 2 out of their last 3 games
Seattle: 16-7 ATS against conference opponents

Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:30 ET
Dallas: 11-25 ATS in road games after outrushing opponent by 75 or more yards last game
Philadelphia: 27-13 ATS after allowing 175 or more rushing yards last game


Monday, Dec. 15

New Orleans at Chicago, 8:30 ET
New Orleans: 15-4 ATS in road games after allowing 175 or more rushing yards last game
Chicago: 6-15 ATS as an underdog

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Week 15

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Trend Report
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Thursday, December 11

8:25 PM
ARIZONA vs. ST. LOUIS
Arizona is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing St. Louis
Arizona is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Arizona
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games


Sunday, December 14

1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CAROLINA
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games at home

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. NEW ENGLAND
Miami is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing New England
Miami is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing New England
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New England's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New England's last 10 games

1:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cincinnati is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cincinnati

1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE vs. BALTIMORE
Jacksonville is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Jacksonville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Jacksonville
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Baltimore's last 16 games at home

1:00 PM
GREEN BAY vs. BUFFALO
Green Bay is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Green Bay's last 9 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games

1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ATLANTA
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games at home

1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. INDIANAPOLIS
Houston is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games when playing Indianapolis
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Indianapolis's last 15 games
Indianapolis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

1:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY GIANTS
Washington is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Giants
Washington is 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
NY Giants are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Giants last 7 games

4:05 PM
DENVER vs. SAN DIEGO
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games on the road
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
San Diego is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

4:05 PM
NY JETS vs. TENNESSEE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Jets last 11 games when playing on the road against Tennessee
NY Jets are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Tennessee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee's last 6 games

4:25 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SEATTLE
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
San Francisco is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Seattle is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games at home

4:25 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 2-12-1 SU in its last 15 games ,on the road
Minnesota is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 12 games

8:30 PM
DALLAS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Dallas


Monday, December 15

8:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. CHICAGO
New Orleans is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing New Orleans

[StarDust Bum]

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 15

Cardinals (10-3) @ Rams (6-7)—St Louis is first NFL team in seven years to toss back/back shutouts; they won last three home games, beating Seattle/Denver. Arizona is 12-4 in last 16 series games, but lost last two visits here, by 14-3 points; Rams led 14-10 in 4th quarter at Arizona five weeks ago, before Palmer got hurt and Stanton threw winning TD pass, which was followed by two Arizona defensive TDs, which prompted QB change back to current starter Hill. Rams covered four of last six as home favorite; they’re +9 in turnovers over last four games, winning field position by 8+ yards in all four. Long road trip on short week for Arizona team that has home showdown with 2nd-place Seattle next week. Six of last eight Arizona games stayed under total; four of last five St Louis home games went over.




NFL

Thursday, December 11

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Thursday Night Football betting preview: Cardinals at Rams
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Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams (-4.5, 39.5)

The Arizona Cardinals are still tied for the NFL's best record, but they're clinging to a one-game lead in the NFC West with a trip to face the surging St. Louis Rams looming Thursday night. The Cardinals beat the Rams 31-14 in Week 10 thanks to a pair of defensive touchdowns, but Arizona's offense has stalled in four games since. Meanwhile, the Rams have won three of four, outscoring Oakland and Washington by a combined 76-0 the past two weeks.

The Cardinals got the running game going enough to pull out a 17-14 win over Kansas City last week but now must face the league's hottest defense, as the Rams have recorded consecutive shutouts for the first time since 1945. "We have to lock it in and keep this thing going," Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis told reporters. "There's definitely momentum right now, and we just have to keep fighting and keep stacking wins." Arizona remains tied with Green Bay for the top spot in the NFC but is just a game clear of Seattle in the division and the Seahawks already have one head-to-head win with another meeting coming next week.

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

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Rams as field goal faves but that's moved to -4.5. The total opened 40.5 but is down a full point.

INJURY REPORT: Cardinals - G Paul Fanaika (Questionable, ankle), CB Antonio Cromartie (Questionable, ankle), S Tyrann Mathieu (Out indefinitely, thumb), RB Andre Ellington (IR, hip).

POWER RANKINGS: Cardinals (-4.25) + Rams (-0.75) + home field (-3.0) = Cardinals -0.5

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (10-3 SU, 9-4 ATS, 4-8-1 O/U): Arizona has stayed afloat despite losing quarterback Carson Palmer for the season, but the Cardinals will need Drew Stanton to be more consistent. Stanton didn't throw an interception last week but was 15-of-30, while practice squad call-up Kerwynn Williams was impressive in his first action carrying the ball, racking up 100 yards on 19 carries. Arizona's secondary could be depleted, as safety Tyrann Mathieu (thumb) is out and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (ankle) is day-to-day.

ABOUT THE RAMS (6-7 SU, 6-7 ATS, 7-6 O/U): A renewed pass rush has played a huge rule in St. Louis' defensive revival, as the Rams have recorded 13 sacks over the past two games and 34 over the past eight. Quarterback Shaun Hill's play the past two weeks has been overshadowed by the defense, but the veteran has compiled a 124.8 rating with four TDs and no interceptions in the back-to-back victories. The Rams have found consistency in the running game in the form of Tre Mason, who leads NFC rookies with 628 rushing yards and has two 100-yard games in the past four contests.

TRENDS:

* Cardinals are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings.
* Rams are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 21-5-1 in Rams last 27 games in December.
* Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 55 percent of bettors are backing the Cardinals.


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NFL

Thursday, December 11


Suddenly surging Rams strong against the spread

The St. Louis Rams have gone 6-2 against the spread in their past eight games, including covering in their past four. Most notably, the Rams defense has been on the right end of two consecutive shutouts, while only allowing an average of 16.9 points in their past eight.

St. Louis is currently -4.5 for their Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals.

[StarDust Bum]

Sharp Moves - Week 15

December 11, 2014


We're getting ready to head into another weekend of NFL betting action, and as always, there are a bunch of plays that are a lot sharper than others. Check out some of the best and brightest plays that are on the board in Week 15!

All public betting percentages courtesy of VegasInsider.com matchup index as of Friday morning.

(Rotation #310) Atlanta +2 – The Steelers have one of those teams which you can read in our opinion. They play to the level of their competition all the time. Just as a home game against the New Orleans Saints a few weeks ago felt like a loss waiting to happen, this is the same sort of game. Atlanta and New Orleans are largely the same team, though the Falcons are probably a bit more dangerous as long as WR Julio Jones is healthy. We hate the fact that RB Le'Veon Bell has touched the ball over 80 times in his last three games, and he seems destined to have an off game. If this is the duel where he isn't on his game, it's going to be really tough to win at the Georgia Dome, where the Falcons are a little bit of bad luck this year away from being a dominating team.

Opening Line: Atlanta +2.5
Current Line: Atlanta +2
Public Betting Percentage: 57% on Pittsburgh

(Rotation #322) Buffalo +4.5 – For the second straight week, the Bills are going to be sharp, and for the second straight week, they very well could figure out how to stay inside of the number against a superior team. Remember that what we have seen out of Green Bay of late has mostly been thanks to strong performances at Lambeau Field. It's much different going on the road in December against desperate teams which need to win to keep their seasons alive. Yes, the matchup of QB Aaron Rodgers vs. QB Kyle Orton is a scary proposition, but remember that the Buffalo defensive line is one of the best in the league. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL when he is on the run, but he could be under too much pressure in one of the loudest stadiums in the league on Sunday, too.

Opening Line: Buffalo +5
Current Line: Buffalo +4.5
Public Betting Percentage: 74% on Green Bay

(Rotation #319) Washington +6.5 – Ugh. No one wants to bet on the Redskins right now. They're literally what would happen when a train wreck runs into a dumpster fire, and they probably aren't going to win another game this year. We all saw the Giants beat up on the Tennessee Titans last week, and all of a sudden, we have renewed confidence that the G-Men are going to come out and roll over a bad Washington squad. Then again, we have confidence that New York was going to roll over the Jacksonville Jaguars, too…

Opening Line: Washington +6.5
Current Line: Washington +6.5
Public Betting Percentage: 71% on New York

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Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder, with Week 15 upon us........

-- Rams covered four of last five as a home favorite.

-- Detroit covered eight of last ten division games.

-- Eagles covered seven of last nine as a home favorite.

-- Colts covered 16 of their last 23 home games.

-- Chiefs covered twice in last 10 games as a division favorite.

-- 49ers are 10-2-1 vs spread in their last thirteen road games.

**********


Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Our top 8, bottom 5 in NFL.......

32) Redskins—A complete train wreck. Sonny Jurgensen could come out of the radio booth and play and they’d be better off; except he’s 80. They paid a king’s ransom to draft RGIII, but the kid doesn’t do classwork necessary to excel on the field. Whoops. They’ll have a very interesting offseason.

31) Titans—Trailed at halftime the last two weeks, 23-0/24-0; have feeling they’re trying not to win, since the coach is secure and they’d be better off with #1 pick, either to trade or draft a cornerstone player. Not trying is bad.

30) Jets— Losing every week when you ARE trying might be worse; Rex Ryan is auditioning for his next job, Geno Smith is terrible and Michael Vick is just trying to replenish his bank account. They just need to start over, much like an expansion team; it would be an easier fix that way.

29) Raiders—Will be part of Jim Harbaugh sweepstakes; they’ve lived thru salary cap hell, should be able to improve their roster in the offseason. Tough division, but at least they think they’ve found their franchise QB.

28) Jaguars—If Giants can Tom Coughlin and I had a bad NFL team, I’d be tempted to bring Coughlin in to run my program, not as a coach but as the President, establish an infrastructure on what a team should be like, from top to bottom. This would work.

8) Cowboys—Needed 10-day break, especially the defense, Romo’s back; rematch in Philly Sunday night is a big game.

7) Chargers—You wonder how things would’ve been different in the ’04 draft had Eli Manning agreed to play for San Diego, the Steelers took Philip Rivers and the Giants Big Ben. I firmly believe Rivers is as good as Manning and both are a cut below Roethlisberger, but Rivers is the one without a Super Bowl ring. I mean, Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl and Dan Marino didn’t; life is weird sometimes.

6) Colts— Indy’s receivers had trouble getting open on a grass field in December in Cleveland Sunday, something to think about when the playoffs roll around; Reggie Wayne is playing hurt and it shows. Indy-Dallas game next week is in a dome, should be entertaining.

5) Seahawks—Have feeling this week’s game with 49ers will be a fierce struggle, the Niners’ last stand in the Harbaugh era. Teams looking for a new head coach have to stop just looking at Seattle defensive gurus; maybe the head coach is the reason that defense is so good.

4) Broncos—Its hard to watch Denver play the last three weeks and not wonder if Peyton Manning is hurt or has a sore arm; they’re just so much different now. He threw only 20 passes against the Bills; that’s usually below his halftime numbers. Maybe its just me being a conspiracy theorist, but its hard to envision them winning the AFC this year.

3) Cardinals—Probably too high at #3; hopefully they’ll lose in St Louis tonight and I can drop them next week. Love the aggressive nature Arians coaches with, but he has to temper with no viable backup now behind Stanton.

2) Patriots—If not for Robert Kraft buying this team 20+ years ago, the Patriots would’ve moved to St Louis and the Rams would be playing in Hartford. That’s a better what-if game than the Rivers-Eli-Big Ben thing.

1) Packers—Everyone who thinks these teams on TV know it all, here are two things:
a) Aaron Rodgers didn’t get a college scholarship out of high school
b) As many people thought the Colts should’ve drafted Ryan Leaf out of college as Peyton Manning. Manning is still an All-Star; Leaf just got released from prison.

Sometimes, you just never know.

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Trends to Watch - December

December 11, 2014


As famed horse race announcer Dave Johnson was known to say, “And down the stretch they come.”

That familiar phrase can mean only one thing when it comes to the NFL – December is here. And with it our tireless database goes to work ferreting out the very best and the very worst team trends compiled by NFL teams during December since 1990.

Enjoy the games and the stretch run to the wire.

HOME TEAMS

Good: We are all aware how strong Seattle is at Century Link Field, but this month they are sensational 33-16 ATS. They will have division foes San Francisco and St. Louis in Week’s 15 and 17 respectively to prove their mettle.

Houston is another such club that takes care of business late in the season at home with a 16-8 ATS mark and will be hosting Baltimore and Jacksonville to close the season.

Keep an eye on (Good): It’s turned into a lost season for Carolina. It will be interesting to see if they can improve upon solid 26-15 ATS record at home with Cleveland and Tampa Bay in the middle of the month.

Green Bay’s weather gives them an edge in December (30-18 ATS) and they will have two indoor teams in Atlanta (Dec. 8) and Detroit (Dec. 28) at the frozen tundra.

Keep an eye on (Bad): On the first day of the month, the New York Jets host Miami and they are 18-31 ATS to close the season at home. Twenty days later New England will be in New Jersey in what could be Rex Ryan’s Jets curtain call.

Oakland often dominates these monthly articles and is 19-33 ATS at what is now called O.co Coliseum. Off their play this season, Bay Area rival (in name only, now playing in San Clara) San Francisco (12/7) and Buffalo (12-21) should pad their stats.

AWAY TEAMS

Keep an eye on (Good): Carolina is only 2-3 ATS on the road this season, which is a far cry from its 24-14 spread mark in the closing month of the season. The Panthers will face division rivals New Orleans and Atlanta on the first and last Sunday’s of the month to see if they are as good as the past beating spreads.

Bad: Handicappers, Windy City bettors and fans are well aware of Chicago’s late season troubles with a chilly 12-34 ATS record away from Soldier Field. Alas, just one encounter at Minnesota on Dec. 28.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Amazingly, this is the biggest group in any category in any month, thus because it’s the holidays and you have things to do, we’ll buzz through these swiftly. The sky always falls in Dallas in December both SU and ATS and the Cowboys are 19-34 ATS and they have to visit Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington. Speaking of Philly, they are a loathsome 17-32 ATS outside the City of Brotherly Love and close the year at Washington and at the Giants.

Oakland is as inept as the Eagles away from home (and pretty much everywhere) with a matching 17-32 ATS mark and will be in Kansas City (12/14) and Denver (12/28), likely making it another December to remember for Raiders fans.

Houston is 11-19 ATS and has stops at Jacksonville and Indianapolis the first two weeks of the month. Tampa Bay is 18-30 ATS and will try and play with just 11 players on the field at Detroit and Carolina to start the last month of 2014.

FAVORITES

Keep an eye on (Good): If you prefer to wager on favorites, the Packers should be your favorite team this month with a 45-24 ATS record. Expect Green Bay to be doling out the points four times in December.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Miami is the only team that could favored five times this month, which is not good news with their paltry 22-42 spread record. Fortunately, it will not be that often with a trip to New England (12/14) and possibly the week before when Baltimore is in South Florida.

The Jets and Raiders are both 16-26 ATS in this, but at this moment, hard to imagine sportsbooks will place them in this role.

DOGS

Good: Because of Carolina’s spread record on the road, they have also been a live dog at 28-14 ATS. Chances are they will be catching points at aforementioned contests at the Saints and Falcons and might be underdogs to Cleveland at home in Week 16.

Seattle a remarkable 40-20 ATS on the receiving end of points and might be a smallish pooch at Philadelphia on Dec. 7.

Keep an eye on (Good): New England is 21-12 ATS as an underdog and the only possibility is at San Diego on the Dec. 7, but it seems unlikely. The Eagles are a solid 25-15 ATS when receiving digits, but like the Patriots, only once might this happen when the Seahawks hit town.

Bad: As mentioned, the Bears are brutal on the road and nearly as painfully bad as underdogs at 14-34 ATS. This is worth following with contests against the Cowboys, Saints, Lions and at the Vikings to come.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Like a bad cold, Oakland pops up again at 20-39 ATS and every reason to believe they will be catching points four times this month.

Hats off to Jeff Fisher for making this season palatable, using two backup signal callers. St. Louis is 20-36 ATS as December dogs and will be at Seattle (12/28) but might not be any longer on the 11th when they host Arizona.

DIVISION

Good: Carolina is a marvelous 25-10 ATS in the AFC South but we will be as shocked as anyone if they cover two of their three battles this month with this crew.

Keep an eye on (Good): New England’s final three contests are versus AFC East foes and they are 29-15 ATS against them. The only reason this does not continue is if they wrap the top seed in the conference earlier.

Seattle has the same situation as the Pats schedule-wise, but they have a much tougher division and are 28-16 ATS.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Miami burns through bettors money like a Cuban cigar at 18-33 ATS in division action and has home and away with Gang Green and at New England.

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Sunday's Top Action

December 11, 2014


SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (7-6) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-4)

Kickoff: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Seattle -10, Total: 37.5

The Seahawks look to improve their playoff position when they host the struggling 49ers on Sunday.

San Francisco had a golden matchup with the Raiders in a must-win game in Oakland, but it was upset 24-13 as 8.5-point favorites. The Seahawks, meanwhile, picked up a statement win in a 24-14 victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia, making them 6-1 SU (4-3 ATS) in the past seven contests. These teams met just two weeks ago on Thanksgiving, when Seattle rolled to a 19-3 victory as a 1-point road underdog. That gives the club four SU wins in the past five meetings with San Francisco, and it has now covered in seven straight in this head-to-head series.

The Seahawks are also 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS when hosting the 49ers since 2009. But the Niners are 8-0 ATS after having lost two of their previous three games over the past two seasons, and 19-5 ATS off an upset loss as a road favorite since 1992. The Seahawks, however, are 17-7 ATS in home games over the past three seasons, and 58-34 ATS in December games since 1992. San Francisco has a host of injuries to deal with, such as CBs Chris Culliver (knee) and Tramaine Brock (hamstring), NT Glenn Dorsey (forearm), C Marcus Martin (knee), G Mike Iupati (elbow) and OT Anthony Davis (concussion), who are all questionable for this game. Seattle has only two players on the injury report with C Max Unger (knee) and third-string TE Cooper Helfet (ankle) both listed as questionable.

The Seahawks rolled to another victory last week, beating the Eagles by 10 on the road behind the stellar play of RB Marshawn Lynch (1,042 rush yards, 9 TD). Lynch rushed for 86 yards in the game and also caught five passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 104 yards on 20 carries when these teams met on Thanksgiving and will need to run the ball effectively to open things up for the passing game. QB Russell Wilson (2,729 pass yards, 17 TD, 5 INT) has been taking great care of the football in recent weeks, as he hasn’t thrown an interception in four games. Wilson is also coming off a performance in which he threw for 263 yards with two touchdowns and rushed for another 48 yards and a touchdown. He threw for 236 yards with a touchdown in the 19-3 win over the 49ers on Thanksgiving, and should be able to play even better in Seattle than he did San Francisco.

However, this defense has been the real story for the Seahawks, who have allowed just 20 total points over the past three weeks combined. Their secondary is as strong as ever, allowing just 190.4 passing yards per game (1st in NFL) and the run-stop unit has limited teams to 84.1 rushing yards per game (3rd in NFL). Seattle is going to make it extremely tough on a sputtering San Francisco offense to make plays.

The 49ers are going to have a hard time getting over a loss to Oakland that pretty much ruined their chances of making the NFC playoffs. They’ll need to win out to even give themselves the slightest chance, but it’s going to start with a must-win game in Seattle. QB Colin Kaepernick (2,910 pass yards, 16 TD, 10 INT) has been atrocious in recent weeks. He threw for just 121 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions against this same Seahawks team on Thanksgiving, and followed it up with 174 yards with one touchdown and two picks against the Raiders. Kaepernick will need to take better care of the ball going forward, but it will be difficult to do so against the best passing defense in the NFL.

Although it won’t be much easier to get it going against this elite running defense either, the 49ers have a better chance of beating the Seahawks with RB Frank Gore (775 yards, 2 TD) than they do Kaepernick. Gore was bottled up by Seattle in Week 13 (28 yards on 10 carries), but ran very effectively against the Raiders, piling up 63 yards on just 12 carries (5.3 YPC). San Francisco will need to feed him more often in this game. Defensively, the 49ers are still pretty strong, allowing only 211.2 passing yards per game (4th in NFL) and 97.2 rushing yards per game (7th in NFL). However, Raiders rookie QB Derek Carr did pick apart their secondary last week, and they’ll need to shore things up back there to deal with the dual-threat Wilson.

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Browns expecting some Manziel magic

December 11, 2014

BEREA, Ohio (AP) - Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is going to send in a play from the sideline and then hold his breath.

There's no telling what Johnny Manziel might do with it.

Manziel will make his first career start on Sunday against Cincinnati, and like almost everyone, Shanahan is bracing himself for what could be an action-packed afternoon. Manziel's cockiness and confidence made him a star at Texas A&M, where the rookie quarterback built his brand on turning broken plays into touchdowns.

Shanahan doesn't know what to expect from Manziel, who has only been on the field for 18 plays this season. Shanahan won't try to change Manziel, saying he wants Manziel to be himself.

Shanahan says Manziel's style was successful in the past and he doesn't want to take that away.

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Defensive newcomers fitting in with Pats

December 11, 2014

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - The New England Patriots needed help on defense so they added three experienced players at midseason.

Turns out they're also solid students.

Linebackers Akeem Ayers and Jonathan Casillas and defensive tackle Alan Branch dove into coach Bill Belichick's complex playbook then produced on the field.

''We're putting guys into play, right into the mix,'' Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis said Thursday. ''I'm sure that can be a hassle coming from another team and then a whole new playbook is in front of you, but you've got to give credit to those guys.''

Now they can help the Patriots (10-3) clinch the AFC East title with a win or tie against the Miami Dolphins (7-6) on Sunday.

A season-ending right knee injury to defensive captain Jerod Mayo in the sixth game left the Patriots thin at linebacker. So they made two trades.

Before the eighth game, they obtained Ayers and a seventh-round pick in 2015 from Tennessee for a sixth-rounder that year. Before the ninth game, they got Casillas and a sixth-round pick in 2015 from Tampa Bay for their fifth-rounder that year.

Then on Oct. 29, one day after the Casillas deal, the Patriots signed Branch. He had been cut by Buffalo on Aug. 24, the day after he was arrested on a drunken-driving charge, but ''the main factor was performance'' in the decision to release him, Bills coach Doug Marrone said.

All three played less than a week after joining the Patriots.

Ayers, a second-round draft pick by Tennessee in 2011, started 43 of the 48 games he played in his first three seasons. But he was inactive for five of seven games with the Titans this year when they switched to a 3-4 scheme.

In his first game with the Patriots, just four days after the trade, he had a sack against Jay Cutler of Chicago. In the next game, he sacked Denver's Peyton Manning. And last Sunday night, his fourth start with New England, he intercepted a pass by Philip Rivers in a 23-14 win at San Diego.

''Just being able to move around sometimes and just being able to do different things on defense, I really enjoy it,'' Ayers said.

He's getting more comfortable with the system but still has a lot to learn.

''I just try to narrow it down as much as I can,'' he said. ''I'm pretty much learning on the go and I understand I'm going to make mistakes out there and there are going to be a few things that aren't perfect, but (I) just know that I can fix those mistakes and try not to make them twice.''

Both he and Casillas also have produced on special teams.

Casillas signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and started just eight games in three seasons with the Saints. He was a backup in Tampa Bay last season before starting three of his five games with the Buccaneers this season.

His approach to a different playbook is simple.

''It's really no secret,'' Casillas said. ''If you care what you're doing, you just have to put the extra time in. I've been putting in a little extra time with (linebackers coach) Pat Graham and even with Akeem.''

Branch was a second-round pick by Arizona in 2007 and started 13 games for Buffalo last year. But he didn't attend any of the Bills' voluntary spring practices this year then failed his conditioning in training camp.

''They definitely helped me out with the cardio program they have here (to) just make sure I'm able to compete with the other guys for longer than a couple of plays at a time,'' he said. ''I'm definitely appreciative of the chance they've given me.''

And he, Ayers and Casillas have given back.

''All three of those players have definitely helped us, both with their playing time, their performance and I'd say the rapid pace at which they've picked things up,'' Belichick said.

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Eagles QB Sanchez brushes off critics

December 11, 2014

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Criticism is nothing new for Mark Sanchez, so he easily brushes it aside.

After Seattle beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-14 last week, Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett said Sanchez is ''impersonating a good quarterback.'' Sanchez has more important matters to focus on with a first-place showdown against the Cowboys coming up Sunday night.

''I guess he doesn't like me. No biggie,'' Sanchez said with a shrug. ''We just worry about the opinion in our locker room. We're poised and ready to go against Dallas.''

Sanchez is 3-2 as a starter since replacing Nick Foles after he broke his collarbone on Nov. 2. He was excellent in wins at Houston, at Dallas and over Carolina. But he struggled in losses at Green Bay and against Seattle.

When he plays well, fickle fans want Sanchez to get a contract extension and lead the team into the future. When he throws interceptions, they want him gone. Foles is moving closer toward a return, but it's uncertain how coach Chip Kelly will handle it.

A victory over the Cowboys (9-4) would put the Eagles (9-4) on the brink of winning their second straight NFC East title. They'd have a tough time making the playoffs if they lose to Dallas.

Sanchez's future could depend on how he performs this week. He's played plenty of big games before and knows how to handle the pressure. Sanchez led the New York Jets to AFC championship games his first two seasons, but ended up being laughed out of the Big Apple.

''You don't change,'' he said about the way he handles important games. ''You trust your preparation and trust your system and take your training onto the field.''

When the game is on the line, Sanchez would rather be under center than watching the defense try to clinch a win.

''You have to want the ball with a few seconds left and fourth down,'' he said.

Sanchez has thrown for 1,500 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62.1 percent of his passes for a passer rating of 88. Foles didn't come close to matching his Pro Bowl performance last year. He had an 81.4 passer rating after finishing at 119.2 in 2013, the third-best in NFL history.

With Foles, the Eagles had more big plays and completed more deep passes. Sanchez hasn't thrown the long ball nearly as often. While critics point to his arm strength, coaches say there's more to it such as defensive coverages.

''There are times when we call a deep-to-short concept where they cover it deep so you throw it shorter,'' offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. ''I assure you we are calling the same types of plays with Mark that we did with Nick. If we want to just throw the ball far, we can do that.''

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Steelers' Bell not worried about load

December 11, 2014

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Le'Veon Bell was 7 years old when Walter Payton died in 1999, but after three straight games with more than 200 yards from scrimmage the Pittsburgh Steelers running back is being compared to the Chicago Bears Hall-of-Famer.

Payton achieved that feat in 1977, and Bell became the second NFL player to total more than 200 scrimmage yards in three straight weeks after tallying 235 at Cincinnati Sunday.

''I've seen highlights of (Payton) and heard a lot about him, that he's arguably the best running back ever,'' Bell said. ''So to be compared to him or even mentioned in the same category as him is just an honor and a blessing and real humbling for me. But it just makes me want to work that much harder.''

Bell ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns and added 50 yards receiving with another score in the Steelers' win against the first-place Bengals. It was Bell's fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season, which earned him AFC offensive player of the week honors.

''It's the first one in my career, so it's definitely an honor,'' Bell said. ''Obviously, I couldn't have done it without my teammates, especially the offensive line, the entire offense and the coaching staff.''

Bell leads the AFC with 1,231 yards rushing (5.1 yard per carry average) and five touchdowns and is second on the Steelers with 71 catches for 693 yards and three touchdowns. If Bell also surpasses 1,000 yards receiving, he will be just the third NFL back to have 1,000 yards each rushing and receiving besides Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk.

''All I care about is winning,'' Bell said. ''If that comes along with a rushing title, or whatever else, that's all good for me. But the main thing is to make sure we win these last three games and get into the playoffs.''

Bell arguably is the Steelers' most complete back since Franco Harris. Barry Foster, Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker were strong runners, while John L. Williams was a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield. Rashard Mendenhall could do a little of both, but none were as complete a back as Bell.

''The things he can do in all three phases of the game, to run, catch the ball and block are some of the most special things I've ever seen a running back do,'' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. ''(And) he's grown fast. We feel that we can do anything with him.''

Notes: CB Ike Taylor (right forearm, shoulder) missed practice Thursday. . OLB James Harrison (knee) and C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) were limited, while right OT Marcus Gilbert was a full participant two straight days and should return to the starting lineup. . CB William Gay (quadricep) also returned.

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QB Redskins expecting McCoy to start

December 11, 2014

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden anticipates Colt McCoy will be sufficiently recovered from a neck injury in time to start Sunday against the New York Giants, adding that McCoy is ''in the lead'' above Robert

Griffin III and Kirk Cousins despite coming off a subpar performance.

McCoy was officially listed as limited in practice Thursday and will need to receive a final medical clearance on Friday, but Gruden believes McCoy will get the go-ahead from the doctor.

''It's pretty positive right now. ... He looked fine today,'' Gruden said.

McCoy sprained his neck when he was sacked in the fourth quarter of a 24-0 loss to the St. Louis Rams and could barely swivel his neck when speaking to reporters early this week, but he went through all of his throws with a normal motion during the portion of practice open to reporters Thursday. Gruden said McCoy took most of the snaps with the starting offense.

Griffin will start if McCoy can't. Gruden had hinted earlier in the week that he might go with Griffin anyway in light of the offense's poor output against the Rams, but the decision is yet another sign that RG3's days in Washington could be drawing to a close.

Asked if the decision is based on which quarterback he needs to see in more game action to make a fuller evaluation, Gruden said he's seen plenty from the trio.

''We've had looks at all three quarterbacks,'' Gruden said. ''And based on what we've seen out at practice for the whole training camp and offseason, and the game situations, right now we feel like Colt is in the lead.''

Griffin and Cousins have each started five games this season; McCoy has started three.

Griffin was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 but has struggled to adjust to the role of a traditional pocket-passer, looking tentative with his footwork and decision-making. A case could be made that he should be playing just to get more trial-by-fire experience - and to help the Redskins front office decide whether it's time to move on from the former Heisman Trophy winner in whom they've invested so much.

But Gruden has been candid about Griffin's progress - or lack thereof - since the first day of training camp, when the coach said: ''I could sit here for 35, 40 minutes and talk about what he needs to work on.''

McCoy doesn't have the strongest arm, but he can manage a game well if there's sufficient talent around him. He led the Redskins to their only impact victory this season, the Monday night upset of the Dallas Cowboys in October.

But he threw for only 199 yards and had two interceptions vs. the Rams, and it would take another leap of faith to trust the game's most important position long-term to a 28-year-old journeyman who was signed to be a third-stringer.

In any case, Gruden's choice for the final three games could be irrelevant if the rest of the team doesn't provide better support. The three quarterbacks have been sacked a combined 46 times, second-most in the NFL. The running game is inconsistent, and the defense allows big scoring plays that in turn force the offense to play catch-up.

Plus, with the record at 3-10, there's the challenge of staying motivated.

''It's more of a pride issue, because you don't want to be part of a team that has a bad season that gives up at the end,'' linebacker Keenan Robinson said, ''especially when you can do something about it. In the end, we can still have a positive finish to our season.''

Notes: Rookie T Morgan Moses is being placed on injured reserve with a Linfranc injury in his foot, suffered at Wednesday's practice. He will have surgery. ... WR DeSean Jackson continues to deal with a leg bruise that caused him to miss the Rams game. Jackson said he was ''able to do a little bit more'' at practice Thursday.

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Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder, with Week 15 upon us........

-- Redskins covered 12 of last 17 as a divisional underdog.

-- Houston covered six of its last eight road games.

-- New England covered ten of its last thirteen at home.

-- Buccaneers covered twice in last nine divisional games.

-- Giants are 5-11 in last sixteen games as a divisional favorite.

-- Dolphins are 4-9-1 as a divisional underdog.

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here.......

13) Dodgers made lot of moves in last 36 hours, acquiring Rollins/Kendrick as a new double play combination, adding Brandon McCarthy as a #4 starter, dealing Drew Butera to Anaheim; addition of Chris Heisey signals that Matt Kemp is probably on his way out (San Diego??) too.

12) Cubs are now only 12-1 to win the World Series after adding Lester/Hammel and catcher Montero, who is an upgrade behind the plate; could use an OF with some pop, but have to give the owner credit. He’s trying hard to put a winner on the field.

11) Irony Dept: Miami Beach Bowl is being played in a domed stadium (Marlins Park). Hope they at least open the roof for the game. Marlins very seldom open the roof for their games.

10) Texas Rangers added Seahawks’ QB Russell Wilson to their 40-man roster so he wouldn’t be eligible to be nabbed in the Rule 5 Draft; why? He hit .220-ish as a minor league 2B in his days as a Colorado farmhand. He’s about to cash in bigtime with the Seahawks; not sure what this baseball stuff is all about.

9) Big night for hoops in South Dakota Tuesday; South Dakota State won at Saint Louis, South Dakota lost in double OT at Creighton. Summit League has some pretty good basketball. Coyotes have UNLV coming to town Saturday, in one of the weirder road trips you’ll see—are there non-stops between Vegas and Vermillion, SD?

8) Michigan lost consecutive games to NJIT and Eastern Michigan, now they visit Arizona next. Oy.

7) Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty got a 6th year of eligibility from the NCAA, great news for the Hilltoppers next season; Doughty has been a highly productive passer for WKU’s prolific offense.

6) Apparently Jeff Fisher is good friends with former Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, which may explain why Fisher trolled Washington by sending his six RGIII-related draft picks out for the coin toss Sunday. Things did not end well between Shanahan and the Redskins and they’re not going too well for Washington this year, either.

5) Red Sox started patching up their depleted pitching rotation by adding Wade Miley from Arizona Wednesday night, then added Rick Porcello and Justin Masterson to it Thursday. Detroit gets Yoenis Cespedes as he enters the walk year of his contract- Tigers' lineup is going to be very strong this season.

4) Guy on ESPNews was interviewing Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio Tuesday, only he introduces him as “Mike Dantonio”. First thing that goes thru my head is: “Does Dantonio correct him or not?”

Before I can think too much, Dantonio interjects “Its Mark” with a slight smile. Guy who works for ESPN should not be making that mistake.

3) In the NBA, Western Conference teams are 77-31 against the east, 64-44 vs spread, 25-14 when an underdog.

2) Wisconsin lost football coach Bret Bielema to Arkansas couple years ago, because Badgers wouldn’t pay his assistants enough; now Gary Andersen leaves Madison for Oregon State after two solid (19-7) years in Madison.

Is one thing to lose a coach to the SEC; its quite another for a guy to bolt a top-level Big 14 program for Oregon State. These assistant coaches in college football make a lot of cash and lot of them lead a nomadic existence. Andersen apparently didn’t feel he could keep his staff together in Madison, so he bolted.

1) Cardinals 12, Rams 6-- Les Snead is GM of the St Louis Rams; between now and next summer, he has one job and only one job. Find a bleeping quarterback.