NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 6 (Thursday, October 15 - Monday, October 19)

[Udog]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

NFL trends to ponder, with Week 6 here.......

-- Arizona is 21-5-1 vs spread in its last 27 non-divisional games.

-- Packers are 9-1-1 in last eleven games as a home favorite.

-- Cincinnati is 29-11-4 in its last 43 non-divisional games.

-- Indianapolis is 10-4 in its last fourteen games as a home dog.

-- Baltimore is 5-14 as a non-divisional road favorite.

-- Philadelphia is 6-15 as a non-divisional home favorite

[Udog]

Essential Week 6 betting notes for NFL Sunday

The Bears have not fared well in recent travels to the Motor City, going 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five visits.

Looking for some quick-hitting betting info for Week 6 of the NFL slate? We break down all the need-to-know facts and figures for Sunday's NFL matchups.

Washington Redskins at New York Jets (-7, 40.5)

* Redskins QB Kirk Cousins is slowly building support among Redskin fans, completing 68 percent of his passes with five touchdowns.

* The Jets welcome back defensive end Sheldon Richardson after a four-game drug suspension, but he is only expected to play about 20 snaps. The Mizzou product had 66 combined tackles, eight sacks and one forced fumble last season.


Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5, 45)

* The Cardinals signed veteran DE Dwight Freeney on Monday and expect to use him for 15-20 snaps per game to rush the passer.

* Michael Vick is getting a handle on the offense but has not been connecting with prolific receiver Antonio Brown, who recorded 50 yards or more in 35 straight games with Ben Roethlisberger but has failed to reach that mark in two contests with Vick. “You have to pick and choose your spots,” Vick told reporters. “Not to say I don’t have confidence in myself or confidence in (Brown), it’s just kind of where we’re at in the game. But trust me, those plays are going to come.”


Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5, 43.5)

* Losing Jamaal Charles (knee) for the season is a devastating blow to an offense that has struggled to move the ball through the air consistently. Charcandrick West and Knile Davis are in line to pick up more work in the backfield, but quarterback Alex Smith will need to be more than simply a game manager for the offense to succeed.

* Minnesota has allowed only four return yards on 16 punts this season, a league-low average of 0.8 yards per return.


Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (+3, 43)

* Bengals receiver A.J. Green had 10 catches for 221 yards and a TD in two matchups versus Buffalo (2013, 2011).

* Weather in Buffalo is expected to be cold with a chance of snow and/or rain. Temperatures should be around the high-30s/low-40s with a chance of snow turning into a chance of rain later on. Wind looks like it will blow toward the SE end zone at around nine mph.


Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (-3, 44)

* The Bears have not fared well in recent travels to the Motor City for their backers, going 2-3 SU and a dismal 0-5 ATS in their last five visits.

* Wideout Golden Tate caused some friction for the second time this season after he voiced his displeasure with the fans' negative reaction to Detroit's performance last week. "I understand where our fan base is coming from as far as their patience with this organization and a lot of people put it in perspective," Tate told the team's website. "And I'll just keep it at that."


Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns (+4, 42.5)

* Despite Peyton Manning's difficulties (seven interceptions to six touchdowns, 20th-ranked completion percentage at 63.5), the Broncos have yet to lose thanks to a defense that leads the league in sacks (22), turnovers (14) and fewest yards allowed per game (278).

* The Browns are looking for a repeat performance from Josh McCown, who threw for a club-record 457 yards in last week's 33-30 overtime triumph over Baltimore. The 36-year-old could wind up being a sitting duck for the Broncos' defense, however, as he is nursing a left ankle injury he suffered in overtime versus the Ravens.


Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1, 43)

* The Texans hope their recent dominance over the Jaguars will help them stay out of the AFC South cellar when the division rivals square off Sunday in Jacksonville. The Texans have won seven of the last nine meetings, including a sweep of the season series last year. Houston is 4-4-1 ATS in those previous nine meetings.

* The silver lining thus far for Jacksonville is the improved play of quarterback Blake Bortles, who passed for 303 yards and four touchdowns for a career-best 125.4 rating in last week’s loss. Along with rookie running back T.J. Yeldon and second-year receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, the Jaguars have compiled a solid, young offensive arsenal.


Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans (-1.5, 43.5)

* Dan Campbell's aggressive attitude has brought a smile to the face of offseason acquisition Ndamukong Suh, a physical defensive tackle who often walks a fine line in his own right. "I love Dan's opinion," Suh told reporters. "I love his motto in toeing line and just being a physical and downhill team; setting the tempo and setting the tone of the game."

* The Titans have surrendered just 167 passing yards per game, 19 fewer than the next closest teams (New York Jets, Chicago, Green Bay).


Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks (-7, 41)

* The Carolina Panthers have gone 0-4 SU and ATS in games coming off a bye week in the Ron Rivera era.

* Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is 28-2 with a 99.7 QB rating at home, including the postseason. The Seahawks are 20-9-1 ATS in those home games.


San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers (-10.5, 50.5)

* Philip Rivers, who threw for 365 yards and two touchdowns versus the Steelers, leads the NFL with 1,613 yards and brings the league's second-ranked passing attack (318 yards per game) and third-best offense (410 yards per game) into Lambeau Field.

* The Packers are the only team left that is both 5-0 SU and ATS. They've won 11 in a row at Lambeau and are 9-1-1 ATS in those games.


Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers (+2, 43)

* Baltimore's defense was bitten hard by the injury bug last week as Lardarius Webb suffered a torn ACL that landed him on injured reserve. Fellow cornerback Will Davis (thigh) and linebacker Elvis Dumervil (groin) also went down and are questionable to face San Francisco.

* The 49ers have lost four-straight games heading into this one, but were unlucky in a 30-27 loss to the New York Giants last week. They covered the spread as 7.5-point dogs, giving them their first ATS win since Week 1.


New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts (+7.5, 54.5)

* The Patriots have won the previous six meetings (including the playoffs) have have covered the spread in the previous four. The Over has cashed in seven consecutive meetings between the two teams.

* After a sluggish start to the season, Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson had a pair of touchdown receptions in the Colts' 27-20 victory over Houston on Oct. 8. Fellow veteran Frank Gore found the end zone versus the Texans and has three scores in the last three weeks.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 18

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Night Football betting preview: Patriots at Colts
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Over has gone 7-0 in the last seven meetings between the Patriots and Colts.

New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts (+7.5, 54.5)

While the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and likely the majority of the world have grown tired of "Deflategate," the saga is once again brought to the forefront on Sunday as the respective teams meet for the first time since last season's AFC Championship Game. Tom Brady was initially suspended four games by the league for his alleged role in the scandal, but a federal court overruled the decision that stemmed from the Patriots' decisive 45-7 rout of the Colts on Jan. 18.

Brady, who threw for three touchdowns in that contest, had two through the air and one on the ground in New England's 30-6 rout of Dallas last week. While the Patriots are attempting to reach 5-0 for the first time since their perfect regular season in 2007, Indianapolis has rebounded from a tough start to win three straight contests. Andrew Luck has been a bystander in the last two with an ailing right shoulder, but owner Jim Irsay expects the former top overall pick to play on Sunday. As for any lingering feelings from last season's playoff loss, Colts coach Chuck Pagano did his best to put it to bed by saying, "This team hasn't played that team, right? Got no relevance."

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

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Colts as 7-point home dogs and that's gone up to +7.5. The total opened 55 and is down to 54.5.

WEATHER: N/A

INJURY REPORT:

Patriots - WR Aaron Dobson (Probable, undisclosed), RB Dion Lewis (Probable, abdominal), OL Ryan Wendell (Probable, illness), LB Jon Bostic (Questionable, acquired), DL Trey Flowers (Questionable, knee), LB Dont'a Hightower (Questionable, ribs), CB Tarell Brown (Doubtful, foot), WR Brian Tyms (Out indefinitely, foot), T Nate Solder (I-R, elbow), OL Bryan Stork (I-R, concussion), WR Brandon LaFell (I-R, foot), LB Dane Fletcher (I-R, knee), DT Chris Jones (I-R, calf), DB Darryl Roberts (I-R, wrist), FB James Develin (I-R, shin), WR Brandon Gibson (I-R, knee).

Colts - LB Bjoern Werner (Probable, hamstring), CB Vontae Davis (Probable, calf), WR T.Y. Hilton (Probable, groin), QB Andrew Luck (Probable, shoulder), LB Nate Irving (Questionable, knee), LB Jerrell Freeman (Questionable, groin), RB Tyler Varga (I-R, concussion), CB D'Joun Smith (I-R, knee), DT Arthur Jones (I-R, ankle), CB Tevin Mitchel (I-R, shoulder).

POWER RANKINGS: Patriots (-8.5) + Colts (-2.0) + home field (-3.0) = Colts +3.5

WHAT THE CAPPERS SAY: "When the defending Super Bowl champs go into the bye week with a 34 point win and come out of the bye with a 24 point win, it?s time to raise their power rating! In two games as the starter, 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck has a QB rating of 95.0. In three games as the starter, elite QB Andrew Luck?'s rating is only 65.0, primed for a big rise."

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS, 2-2 O/U): Rob Gronkowski resides two touchdowns shy of becoming the fifth tight end with at least 60 in his career. The mammoth Gronkowski has 300 yards receiving and six scores in his last four meetings with Indianapolis, but has been kept out of the end zone in New England's past two games. Julian Edelman (team-leading 34 receptions) was held to "just" four catches against the Cowboys, but recorded a season-high 120 yards.

ABOUT THE COLTS (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS, 2-3 O/U): After a sluggish start to the season, Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson had a pair of touchdown receptions in the Colts' 27-20 victory over Houston on Oct. 8. Fellow veteran Frank Gore found the end zone versus the Texans and has three scores in the last three weeks. Indianapolis turned to a familiar face on Wednesday and signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who had eight touchdowns (two rushing, six receiving) in 2014 before a broken leg ended his season.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings.
* Patriots are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Patriots are 35-14-2 ATS in their last 51 games in October.
* Under is 4-0 in Colts last four home games.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-eight percent of users are backing the Patriots.

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

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 18


Report: Bills to start Manuel at QB

The Buffalo Bills have not named a starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals, but ESPN is reporting that E.J. Manuel will get the call in place of the injured Tyrod Taylor.

Manuel, who took the majority of the first-team snaps in practice, has not played this season after losing the job to Taylor. Manuel completed 58 percent of his passes for 838 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in five games last season.

Taylor was limited in practice after suffering a sprained MCL in Buffalo's 14-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans last week. The sixth round draft pick in 2011 by Baltimore has a 70.1 percent completion rate while throwing for 1,097 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in five games this season.


Redskins rule out WR Jackson

Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson was ruled out from playing Sunday's game against the New York Jets because of a hamstring injury.

Jackson was downgraded from questionable after not traveling with the team to New Jersey on Saturday.

Jackson was injured in the Redskins' season opener without making a reception.


Eagles WR Agholor ruled out

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor will miss Monday night's game against the visiting New York Giants with an ankle injury.

Agholor practiced on a limited basis Saturday after not participating Thursday and Friday.

Running back Ryan Mathews is questionable with a groin injury. He has rushed for a team-high 205 yards this season.

The Eagles will be without linebacker Kiko Alonso (knee), defensive end Brandon Bair (groin), and linebacker Mychal Kendricks (hamstring).


Giants WR Beckham Jr. questionable

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is listed as questionable for Monday night's game at the Philadelphia Eagles because of a hamstring injury.

Beckham, who has not practiced this week, sustained the injury last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Tom Coughlin said he hopes Beckham can practice Sunday.

Another injured wide receiver, Rueben Randle, is probable with an injured hamstring. He has been limited in practice this week.

Also probable are guard Justin Pugh (ankle) and defensive end George Selvie (calf).

The Giants have several players listed as questionable, including defensive end Robert Ayers back (hamstring), linebackers Jon Beason (concussion) and Jonathan Casillas (calf), and cornerback Trumaine McBride (groin/illness).

New York ruled out cornerback Prince Amukamara (pectoral), linebacker Devon Kennard (hamstring) and wide receiver Victor Cruz (calf).


Ravens RB Forsett a game-day decision

Baltimore Ravens starting running back Justin Forsett was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers because of an ankle injury, and coach John Harbaugh said Friday that Forsett will be a game-day decision.

Forsett ran for 150 and 121 yards in the Ravens' last two games, and has played well recently after a slow start.

If Forsett cannot play, the Ravens will be without two running backs. Lorenzo Taliaferro was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Wednesday because of a foot injury.

Rookie running back Buck Allen could be the starter on Sunday if Forsett can't go. Allen has rushed for 124 yards, with a 4.8 average per carry this season.


Bears place DE Ferguson on IR

The Chicago Bears placed defensive end Ego Ferguson on season-ending injured reserve Saturday and signed defensive lineman Bruce Gaston.

The Bears had listed Ferguson as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions with a knee injury. The second-year player appeared in four games this season, making three tackles. Ferguson has appeared in 20 games with one start over two seasons, recording 36 tackles and two sacks.

Gaston has appeared in two games this season with the Green Bay Packers, with one tackle. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Gaston entered the NFL in 2014 with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent out of Purdue


Panthers have slumped in games following a bye week

The bye week is supposed to be a week where teams get extra time to prepare, rest and gameplan for their next matchup. But apparently Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers did not get the memo.

In the Ron Rivera era, the Panthers have gone 0-4 straight up and against the spread in games following their bye week.

That's the spot the Panthers are in as they visit the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon. The Seahawks opened as 6.5-point home faves, but that has since moved to -7.


Packers rolling along at Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers have reeled off 11 consecutive wins at Lambeau Field and will look to make it a cool dozen with the San Diego Chargers in town Sunday afternoon.

They've been an extremely good wager in those as well, posting a record of 9-1-1 against the spread.

The Pack have gone 3-0 SU and ATS on home turf this season and the only ATS loss they suffered during their recent stretch was back in Week 14 last season when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 43-37, but failed to cover as 13.5-point favorites.

Books opened the Packers as 9.5-point home faves but that has gone up a full point to -10.5.


Bears backers look for slump in Detroit to end Sunday

The Chicago Bears have won just two of their past five trips to Detroit to face the Lions and have lost all five of those visits against the spread.

Chicago's last win in Detroit was 2012 when it triumphed 26-24 but failed to cover the spread as a 3-point road favorite.

Ford Field will be the setting Sunday as the Bears visit their NFC North rivals. Books opened the Bears as 2.5-point road pups, but that has since moved to +3.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 18


Chance of snow at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday

According to weather forecasts, there is a 41 percent chance of snow in Buffalo when the Bills host the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium Sunday afternoon.

Temperatures in Buffalo are expected to be around 40 degrees and wind will blow toward the southeast end zone at around six miles per hour.

The Bills are presently 3-point home underdogs and the total is down to 43 after opening at 45.


Rain in the forecast as Seahawks host Panthers

According to weather forecasts, there is a 54 percent chance of showers in Seattle when the Seahawks host the Carolina Panthers at CenturyLink Field Sunday afternoon.

Temperatures in Seattle will be in the low-60s with wind blowing across the field at around three miles per hour.

Books opened Seattle as a 6.5-point home favorite, but that has been adjusted to -7. The total opened at 42 and is down to 40.5.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, October 18


Andrew Luck set to return for Colts Sunday night

According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts will have Andrew Luck under center when they host the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.

Luck missed the previous two games with a shoulder injury, but 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck was able to lead to team to wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans (1-1 against the spread).

Books opened the Colts as 7-point home dogs for the Sunday nighter and nothing but Pats money showed up making this a massive game for books.

"Ninety percent of the money and tickets are on the Pats," Peter Childs of Sportsbook.ag told Covers. "This is a late, primetime NBC game and there’s no question it will be the biggest decision we’ll have so far this football season."

Texans' Watt active despite illness

Houston Texans Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt, who was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness, is active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Watt is the fourth player for the Texans to become sick leading up to the game. Receiver Jaelen Strong, cornerback A.J. Bouye and practice squad quarterback Zac Dysert all missed practices. Strong also is questionable, while Bouye is listed as probable. Watt did not miss any practices this week.

Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was ruled out Friday with a sprained ankle.

Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon, who was listed Friday as questionable with a groin injury, is inactive and won't play.

Denard Robinson, who is back after missing three game with a knee injury, is expected to get the start at running back for the Jaguars.


Unders cashing when Jets come off a bye week

Under bets have gone 13-3 in the last 16 games when the New York Jets come off a bye week. That's the spot the Jets are in Sunday when they host the Washington Redskins.

The Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-14 in London, England in Week and enjoyed their bye week after reaching their best start in five seasons.

The total for this matchup opened at 41.5, but that has since come down to 40 with kickoff fast approaching.


Jaguars bettors enjoying good run versus Texans

The Jacksonville Jaguars have gone just 2-3 straight up in their last five meetings with the Houston Texans, but Jags backers have enjoyed a 4-1 run against the spread over those five games.

The two AFC South rivals meet in Florida Sunday afternoon and after this game opened as a Pick, the Jags have moved to 2.5-point home favorites.

The Texans won both meetings straight up last season with the two teams splitting results ATS. In 2013, it was the Jags cashing both games SU and ATS.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 19


Steelers' Beachum out for year with torn ACL

Left tackle Kelvin Beachum sustained a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament Sunday in Pittsburgh's 25-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced.

Second-year pro Alejandro Villanueva finished Sunday's game in place of Beachum, the Steelers' starter on the left side since 2013.

A seventh-round pick in 2012, Beachum, 26, will be a free agent after the season.

The banged up Pittsburgh offensive line is also without all-pro center Maurkice Pouncey, whose left fibula injury needed a second surgery that may lead to him missing the rest of the season as well.


Ravens S Lewis leaves game with knee injury

SAN FRANCISCO -- Baltimore Raven starting free safety Kendrick Lewis sustained a knee injury with 9:41 left in the third period of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Lewis was helped off the field and went to the locker room to be examined. His return to the game was doubtful.

Brynden Trawick replaced Lewis.




NFL roundup: Unbeaten Panthers rally past Seahawks

SEATTLE -- Carolina quarterback Cam Newton hit tight end Greg Olsen on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 32 seconds remaining as the Panthers kept their unbeaten record intact with a 27-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Olsen caught seven passes for 131 yards and the touchdown, which came on a pass over the middle between trailing defenders Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman.

Newton completed 20 of 36 passes for 269 yards and the touchdown and also ran for a score as the Panthers improved to 5-0 for the first time since 2004, when Carolina made its only Super Bowl appearance.

Seattle (2-4) jumped out to a 17-7 halftime lead and was ahead 20-7 early in the third quarter before the Panthers started their comeback. Three of Carolina's final four possessions resulted in 80-yard scoring drives, and the Panthers had to overcome a missed extra point that left them trailing by three points, at 23-20, with 3:55 remaining.

Packers 27, Chargers 20

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Philip Rivers threw 64 passes before his final attempt was batted down at the goal line by Packers cornerback Damarious Randall, giving Green Bay a victory over San Diego.

Rivers had 503 passing yards, just the 17th 500-yard game in NFL history, and completed 43 of 65 passes with two touchdowns.

Chargers receiver Keenan Allen caught 14 passes for 157 yards, including an NFL season-high 11 in the first half, but was out for most of the second half with a hip injury.

Steelers 25, Cardinals 13

PITTSBURGH -- Third-string quarterback Landry Jones came off the bench to lead Pittsburgh over Arizona.

Jones, subbing for injured backup Mike Vick, led the Steelers (4-2) to four second-half scoring drives, including an 88-yard touchdown pass to Martavis Bryant with 1:58 remaining that put the game out of reach for the Cardinals (4-2).

After Vick completed only three of eight passes for 6 yards, he was replaced by Jones, who was 8-for-12 for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Jones entered early in the third quarter when Vick exited the game with a hamstring injury.

Broncos 26, Browns 23 (OT)

CLEVELAND -- Brandon McManus kicked a 35-yard field goal with 4:56 remaining in overtime to keep Denver undefeated at 6-0 after beating Cleveland.

The lead changed hands twice in the fourth quarter before a 26-yard field goal by Browns kicker Travis Coons with 1:30 to play tied the score 23-23.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders midway through the fourth quarter one play after the Browns (2-4) took the lead for the first time after being down 10-0 at halftime.

The Browns scored three touchdowns in the second half and took a 20-16 lead with 8:07 to play on a 35-yard interception return by linebacker Karlos Dansby. The interception was the second of the game thrown by Manning, but just when it seemed all the momentum was with the Browns, the Broncos' 39-year-old quarterback hooked up with Sanders to temporarily regain the lead.

Bengals 34, Bills 21

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Andy Dalton passed for 243 yards and three touchdowns as Cincinnati beat Buffalo to improve to 6-0 for the third time in team history.

Wide receiver Marvin Jones caught a career-high nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown as the Bengals matched the 1975 and AFC champion 1988 teams for best starts in franchise history.

Tight end Tyler Eifert and running back Jeremy Hill also caught touchdown passes from Dalton, running back Giovani Bernard ran for a touchdown, and Matt Nugent kicked two field goals in the Bengals' season-high scoring effort.

The banged up Bills (3-3) began the game without starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) and wide receiver Percy Harvin (hip), and finished without top receiver Sammy Watkins (ankle), Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kyle Williams (knee) and right tackle Seantrel Henderson (concussion). Backup Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel completed 28 of 41 passes for 263 yards, one touchdown and an interception in his first start since the fourth game of last season.

Vikings 16, Chiefs 10

MINNEAPOLIS -- Consecutive scoring drives to start the fourth quarter gave Kansas City a chance for a road win against Minnesota, but running back Charcandrick West's critical fumble spoiled a potential game-winning drive as the Vikings held on for a win.

For three quarters, the Vikings (3-2) looked like they were going to cruise to an easy win. The Chiefs couldn't get out of its own way offensively, gaining just two first downs before halftime, and getting one more via penalty.

The Vikings led by 13 after 45 minutes, thanks for a 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to tight end Kyle Rudolph and a pair of Blair Walsh field goals. But Cairo Santos' 48-yard field goal got the Chiefs (1-5) on the board two minutes into the fourth quarter, and quarterback Alex Smith connected with receiver Albert Wilson on a 42-yard middle screen for a touchdown to make it a three-point game.

Jets 34, Redskins 20

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Wide receiver Brandon Marshall made a highlight-reel 35-yard touchdown reception with 5:53 remaining in the third quarter as New York pulled away for a victory over Washington.

Marshall finished with seven catches and 111 yards but his best play came with about six minutes left in the third on a second-and-four play. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made a low throw which likely would have been incomplete but Marshall grabbed the ball just above his cleats, spun around cornerback Bashaud Breeland and easily raced in for the score.

Fitzpatrick finished 19 of 26 for 253 yards and preceded Marshall's touchdown with an 18-yard run for score. That gave the Jets (4-1) a 20-13 lead with 10:02 remaining. Fitzpatrick's scramble came one play after cornerback Darrelle Revis intercepted Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Redskins dropped to 2-4.

Lions 37, Bears 34 (OT)

DETROIT -- Matt Prater kicked a 27-yard field goal with 3:54 remaining in overtime as Detroit became the final NFL team to win a game this season by edging Chicago.

The field goal was set up by Matthew Stafford's 56-yard pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Stafford, who was benched during the Lions' 42-17 loss to Arizona the previous Sunday, passed for 405 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson caught six passes for 166 yards for the Lions (1-5) while wide receiver Lance Moore had five receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler passed for 353 yards and a touchdown. Matt Forte rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown for the Bears (2-4).

Texans 31, Jaguars 20

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Houston scored three touchdowns in less than seven minutes in the fourth quarter to power past Jacksonville.

Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer turned in a solid performance, connecting on 24 of 36 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns. It was Hoyer's first game as a starter since the season opener.

Hoyer was at his best in the fourth quarter when he led the Texans (2-4) on two scoring drives to overcome a 14-10 Jaguars lead. Jacksonville (1-5) scored in the closing seconds of the third quarter when quarterback Blake Bortles connected with tight end Julius Thomas for a 29-yard score. It was Thomas' first touchdown as a Jaguar.

Dolphins 38, Titans 10

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Apparently, a coaching change pushed the reset button for Miami, at least for one Sunday, as interim coach Dan Campbell won his first game after his team physically dominated Tennessee.

Running back Lamar Miller, who entered the day with 131 yards in the team's first four games, had 99 by halftime and finished with 113 on 19 carries and a touchdown for the Dolphins (2-3). Quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 22 of 29 passes for 266 yards, hitting tight ends Dion Sims and Jordan Cameron for fourth-quarter scores.

The Dolphins' defense, which entered the game rated 29th in the NFL in total defense and last against the run, finally looked like the unit the team envisioned in the offseason. Defensive end Cameron Wake notched two of the team's six sacks against the Titans (1-4).

49ers 25, Ravens 20

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Colin Kaepernick passed for a season-high 340 yards and two touchdowns, leading San Francisco past Baltimore.

Ex-Ravens wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith faced their former team and had big games. Boldin caught five passes for 102 yards, and Smith caught three passes for 96 yards and a 76-yard touchdown.

Kaepernick completed 16 of 27 passes with no interceptions.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 19

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday Night Football betting preview: Giants at Eagles
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Giants posted their third consecutive victory with a last-minute win over San Francisco last week to take a one-game lead atop the division.

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5, 50)

The New York Giants saw their season take a nosedive with a crushing Week 6 loss at NFC East rival Philadelphia a year ago and will try to avoid a similar fate when they visit the Eagles on Monday night. The Giants posted their third consecutive victory with a last-minute win over San Francisco last week to take a one-game lead atop the division.

"It ranks up there as far as comebacks," New York coach Tom Coughlin said after Eli Manning engineered a late touchdown drive despite both his wide receivers dealing with hamstring injuries. The Giants were also riding a three-game winning streak last season and were promptly shellacked by the Eagles 27-0, setting off a seven-game skid. Philadelphia is coming off its best performance with a 39-17 romp over New Orleans. "After what we were able to do in the preseason, everybody has been waiting for this," Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford said. "It's a great feeling. Now, we have to build off it."

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

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Eagles as 3.5-point home faves, but that's moved to -5.5. The total has remained at the opening number of 50.

INJURY REPORT:

Giants - WR Rueben Randle (Probable, hamstring), TE Jerome Cunningham (Questionable, knee), DE Robert Ayers (Questionable, hamstring), DE George Selive (Questionable, calf), LB Jonathan Casillas (Questionable, calf), LB Jon Beason (Questionable, concussion), LB Devon Kennard (Doubtful, hamstring), WR Victor Cruz (Doubtful, calf), CB Prince Amukamara (Mid November, pectoral), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (Out indefinitely, finger), TE Daniel Fells (I-R, ankle), S Nat Berhe (I-R, calf), C Brett Jones (I-R, knee), S Bennett Jackson (I-R, knee), S Mykkele Thompson (I-R, Achilles), T Will Beatty (I-R, pectoral).

Eagles - RB Ryan Mathews (Questionable, groin), DE Brandon Bair (Questionable, groin), LB Mychal Kendricks (Doubtful, hamstring), WR Nelson Agholor (Doubtful, leg), LB Kiko Alonso (Out indefinitely, knee), T Andrew Gardner (I-R, foot), K Cody Parkey (I-R, groin), LB Travis Long (I-R, knee), C David Molk (I-R, bicep), DB JaCorey Shepherd (I-R, knee).

WEATHER: Temperatures expected to be in the mid-40s with wind blowing toward the north end zone at around six miles per hour.

POWER RANKINGS: Giants (-0.5) + Eagles (-1.0) + home field (-3.0) = Eagles -4.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Last year, Eli Manning set career bests in completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio. This year, he?s on pace to set new career bests in both categories. The Eagles offense finally got going in their blowout over the Saints, playing at their preferred pace with 79 offensive snaps, 34 first downs and 519 total yards."

ABOUT THE GIANTS (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U): The biggest concern for the Giants is the health of stud wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who did not practice Thursday or Friday due to a hamstring injury sustained in last week's victory. Rueben Randle will return from his own hamstring injury and provide a familiar target for Manning, who threw for 441 yards and three touchdowns while setting a franchise record with 41 completions. Middle linebacker Jon Beason suffered a concussion last week but practiced on a limited basis Friday for a defense that ranks No. 2 against the run (80.6 yards) and dead last against the pass (304.2).

ABOUT THE EAGLES (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS, 1-4 O/U): Philadelphia finally managed to get its ground game untracked in the rout of New Orleans as offseason acquisitions DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews each scored a touchdown while rushing for 83 and 73 yards, respectively. Bradford had his second-highest output of the season with 333 yards passing to go along with a pair of TDs, but he also showed his penchant for making the costly mistake by getting intercepted twice in the red zone. The Eagles have also been vulnerable through the air, ranking 26th in the league at 279.6 yards permitted, but they have six interceptions and eight forced fumbles.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings in Philadelphia.
* Favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Giants are 1-4 ATS in their last five Monday games.
* Over is 8-2-1 in Eagles last 11 Monday games.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-three percent of users are backing the Giants.

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

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, October 19


Week 6 goes to the dogs

Underdogs were the side to bet in NFL action yesterday, going an impressive 9-3 against the spread in 12 games Sunday.

That is good for an 75.0 percent success rate and improved underdogs to 49-39-2 ATS for the season (55.68 percent cash rate).

The only favorites to cover Sunday were Cincinnati, Minnesota and the New York Jets.

The Giants are currently 5-point road dogs for Monday night's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.


Browns go over in sixth straight contest

The Cleveland Browns are the NFL's best over play through six weeks, going a perfect 6-0 O/U in their first six weeks.

The Browns, who are seeing 49.8 combined points per game, fell 26-23 to the Denver Broncos this Sunday, easily going over the total of 41.5.

Over bettors hope the Browns' streak continues when they visit the St. Louis Rams in Week 7. The total opened at 42.5.


Vikings becoming a perfect under bet

The Minnesota Vikings topped the Kansas City Chiefs 16-10 this Sunday, going under the total in all five games this season, making them the best under bet in the NFL.

The Vikings' combination of a stingy defense and stagnant offense have them as a perfect under bet. They rank 2nd in points allowed at just 16.6 points per game, while scoring just 19.2 at the same time.

Minnesota visits the Detroit Lions in Week 7, where the total opened at 44.5.


Cincinnati, Pittsburgh keeping backers happy

Both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers won and covered on Sunday, improving to 5-0-1 against the spread and are the best bets in the NFL through six weeks.

The Bengals easily covered as 3-point road favorites, topping the Buffalo Bills 34-21, while the Steelers topped the Arizona Cardinals 25-13 as 5.5-point home dogs.

Cincinnati is on bye in Week 7, while the Steelers visit the Kansas City Chiefs.


Ravens still haven't covered this season

The disastrous season for the Baltimore Ravens continued Sunday, falling to the San Francisco 49ers 25-20 as 2.5-point road favorites.

The Ravens are the only team yet to cover a spread this season, now at 0-5-1 against the spread through six weeks.

Thins don't get any easier for Baltimore as they travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals, were they have opened as 7.5-point road dogs.