The Bum's National Football League Week # 8 Rated Plays - Trends - News Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

NFL RATED GAMES: (as of 10/29/15 )

THURSDAY'S RESULTS: ( 10/29/15 )


*****......................... 0 - 0 - 0
DOUBLE PLAYS.............1 - 0 - 0
TRIPLE PLAY.................0 - 0 - 0
BLOW OUT....................0 - 0
GOM.............................1 - 0
TOM..............................0 - 0

OVER ALL RATED PLAYS

*****.......................................... 13 - 12 - 2
double play...................................29 - 20 - 2
triple play......................................15 - 14 - 1
blow out........................................ 4- 2 - 0
gom............................................... 2 - 0
goy............................................... 0 - 0
tom............................................... 1 - 1
totals............................................ 27 - 12 - 2 ( TOTALS INCLUDED IN RATED PLAYS )

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

******.....................................2 - 0 - 1
DOUBLE PLAY............................2 - 3 - 1
TRIPLE PLAY..............................3 - 2 - 1
BLOW OUT.................................0 - 0
THURSDAY NIGHT GOM..............1 - 0
THURS. NIGHT GOY....................0 - 0

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:

SINGLE PLAY........................... 3 - 2 - 0
DOUBLE PLAY.......................... 4 - 1
TRIPLE PLAY............................ 1 - 2
BLOW OUT............................... 0 - 0
SUNDAY NIGHT GOM.................1 - 0
SUNDAY NIGHT TOM..................0 - 1
SUNDAY NIGHT GOY..................0 - 0

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

******......................................1 - 0
DOUBLE PLAY...........................4 - 2
TRIPLE PLAY.............................3 - 2
BLOW OUT................................0 - 0
MONDAY NIGHT GOM...............0 - 0
MONDAY NIGHT GOY................0 - 0


GOING INTO SUNDAY'S FOOTBALL GAMES: 11/01/15

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SuperContest Picks - Week 8
October 31, 2015

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry, and it’s all a 100% payback. Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 1,727 entries, which is an all-time record. The winner of this year's top prize will be given a check for $906,675, plus the top 50 finishers will collect cash prizes too.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 · Week 2 · Week 3 · Week 4 · Week 5 · Week 6 · Week 7


Through seven weeks of the season, the Top 5 Consensus Picks have gone 21-12-2 (64%) in the SuperContest.

Week 8

1) Arizona (538)

2) N.Y. Jets (530)

3) Green Bay (511)

4) Chicago (499)

5) Denver (470)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 8 MATCHUPS & ODDS

Away Team Selections Home Team Selections

Miami (+8) 112 New England (-8) 127

Detroit (+5) 447 Kansas City (-5) 102

Minnesota (-1.5) 327 Chicago (+1.5) 499

Tampa Bay (+7) 181 Atlanta (-7) 357

N.Y. Giants (+3) 268 New Orleans (-3) 358

San Francisco (+8.5) 241 St. Louis (-8.5) 215

Arizona (-5) 538 Cleveland (+5) 180

Cincinnati (PK) 349 Pittsburgh (PK) 462

San Diego (+3.5) 206 Baltimore (-3.5) 201

Tennessee (+3) 74 Houston (-3) 242

N.Y. Jets (-2.5) 530 Oakland (+2.5) 269

Seattle (-6) 321 Dallas (+6) 352

Green Bay (-3) 511 Denver (+3) 470

Indianapolis (+6.5) 270 Carolina (-6.5) 317

[StarDust Bum]

Vegas Money Moves - Week 8
October 30, 2015

The Sunday Night Football game with Green Bay visiting Denver has just about everything you could want in a regular season game beginning with both teams being undefeated at 6-0. You've got two marquee quarterbacks and two defenses that rank statistically as the best in the league. However, when you look at the betting patterns across Las Vegas sports books, it's clear who the public likes in this game and it isn't the home team.

Denver has one of the better home field advantages in football, and the wise guys have been there to scoop up +3-flat with Denver at places like the South Point when it was available Monday through Thursday, but the public is siding with the Packers no matter what the number is.

"Our biggest parlay game of the week so far is Arizona at about a 10-to-1 ratio (cash taken) and next is the Packers at 8-to-1," said South Point sports book director Bert Osborne.

The Cardinals are fast becoming America's (betting) favorites weekly and they're laying 'only' 5-points with them on the road at Cleveland. However, it's very telling how the public feels about Denver when the Broncos are at home -- a trend they loved the past three seasons -- and they still like laying points with the road team.

Who can blame them? Green Bay has covered five of six this season with a QB that has a 15-to-2 TD/INT ratio while Denver's QB has a 7-to-10 ratio that includes three pick-6s. Still, Denver is 4-2 ATS thanks to its own defense that has returned four turnovers for TDs. The public obviously thinks that is more about luck than talent, and maybe they're right.

The big difference with the top two public games is that almost three times the amount bet on parlays off the board have been on Green Bay compared to Arizona. It's already a big event on a Friday. With this being the final "get-back" game of the day, that number will only rise as most bettors stagger their bank-rolls by start times. In quite a few cases, the late game cash wagered comes from the ATM with hopes of salvaging some kind of profit on the day.

Half the books in town are dealing Green Bay -2.5 and the others are at -3 EVEN. Most have found themselves being at both numbers -- with the exception of MGM Resorts' and Station Casinos books -- which will have most holding their breaths late that a Packers 3-point win doesn't come into the equation so they don't get sided.

"I probably took more than I should of at plus-3 with Denver," said Osborne who said he took nearly nearly three limit wagers before going back to -2.5. "I don't see us going back (to +3). I think I've got enough already and if I get too heavy at -2.5 with Green Bay, I'll just maneuver around on the money-line to attract more Denver action."

But just what is the proper number? Are the Packers really 6-points better than Denver on a neutral field? Because that what this number is telling us. Las Vegas oddsmaker Kenny White says he has Green Bay two points better, but there are other variables he says come into play.

"There is this misconception that you always give the home team 3-points, and in Denver's case sometimes 3.5-points. But that all goes out the window when the visiting team is better and in this case, the Packers are definitely the better team, so maybe you only give Denver 1-point for home field."

If that's the case, then maybe the true number for this game should be Green Bay -1.5, which is what John Avello opened them at his Wynn sports book on Sunday night and that number lasted for an entire minute before being bet up to -2 and then 13-minutes later it was bet up to -2.5. He moved up the ladder on Monday from -2.5 -115 to -120 and on Tuesday went to -3 -105 and then -3 EVEN on Thursday.

The public has spoken with both large and small money, but give the sharps +3-flat with Denver and they like that too, which shows you where the value rests and maybe the ceiling point of where this game will end up.

Parlay risk doesn't move numbers, but at some of the local chain of books with the largest parlay volume in the city, staring at high six-figure losses after early results are posted -- when massive parlay risk carries over -- can make the bookmaker re-think line movement philosophy. Moving to +3.5 and setting themselves up for a middle seems out of the question at this point. So if liking Denver, take the +3 if you can get it. Same goes for Green Bay backers when seeing -2.5.

The most interesting line movement to watch on the screen this weekend up till game time on this one is over at the South Point where they only use flat numbers.

Public parlay plays of the week: Cardinals, Packers, Falcons, Seahawks, Bengals, Jets, Panthers

Sharp plays of the week: Lions, Jets, Cowboys, Broncos +3 (some respected money also on Packers laying less than FG).

Public teaser plays of the week: Cardinals, Falcons, Rams, Seahawks, Panthers

Here's a look at all the line movement over the past 10 days from what the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook opened last week in their Early Week 8 numbers are where they are on Friday afternoon. The line movement is a combination of rating adjustments (air moves) from Week 7 results, market adjustments and actual bets taken to push the number one way or the other.

Detroit vs. Kansas City (at London): KC opened -2.5, got as high as -6 on Monday and DET has been bet down the ladder down to -3.5.

Minnesota at Chicago: MIN opened -2.5 (-120), and after a brief stint at pick 'em MIN money is moving it back up to -1.5.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta: ATL opened -8, and are now -7 (-120).

NY Giants at New Orleans: NO opened -2, they're now -3 (-120).

San Francisco at St. Louis: STL opened -6, and are now -8.

Arizona at Cleveland: AZ opened -4, and are now -6.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: No early line (Roethlisberger ?); CIN opened -2.5 on Tuesday and PITT is now -1.

San Diego at Baltimore: BALT opened -2, and they're now -3.5 (EV).

Tennessee at Houston: No line (Mariota ?) anywhere all week. Mariota is not worth any more to the number than Mettenberger. Let's fire it up guys!

NY Jets at Oakland: NYJ opened -3, and re-opened -2.5 on Monday and has been bet up to -3.

Seattle at Dallas: SEA opened -5.5, and re-opened -6 on Monday and moved to -5.5 on Friday.

Green Bay at Denver: GB opened -3 EVEN, moved to -3-flat on Monday and -2.5-flat on Thursday.

Indianapolis at Carolina: CAR opened -3.5, then re-opened -5.5 after Colts Week 7 home loss. Following MNF win, CAR re-opened at -6.5 and is currently -7 (EV).

[StarDust Bum]

Gridiron Angles - Week 8
October 31, 2015


NFL PLAY ON ATS TREND:

-- The Vikings are 12-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since September 28, 2014 after they allowed fewer points than expected last game.

NFL PLAY AGAINST TREND:

-- The Bears are 0-10-1 ATS (-10.64 ppg) since December 2011 at home after scoring more points than expected last game.

TOP NFL PLAYER TREND:

-- The Bears are 0-7 ATS (-10.8 ppg) since Oct 06, 2013 at home after a game in which Martellus Bennett had at least 5 receptions.

NFL O/U UNDER TREND:

-- The Chiefs are 0-11-1 OU (-12.2 ppg) since January 2005 when the total is at least 46 coming off a win as a favorite.

NFL O/U OVER TREND:

-- The Broncos are 10-0 OU (12.1 ppg) since 2007 coming off a game which went to overtime.

NFL BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Cowboys are 15-0 OU at home when they are not the favorite vs a team that has averaged at least 31:50 of possession time season-to-date.

NFL ATS SYSTEM:

-- Teams which allowed at least 12 catches to a receiver last game are 80-57-6 OU. Active on Green Bay.

[StarDust Bum]

Total Talk - Week 8
October 31, 2015


Something tells me that the bookmakers have been very happy with the NFL total results this season, especially with the ‘under’ owning a 16-7 record in nationally televised primetime games. All three games played under the lights last week went ‘under’ and those results usually crush bettors chasing with parlays. Despite those results, total bettors saw a stalemate (7-7) in Week 7. After seven weeks, the ‘over’ has gone 54-50-1 (52%) this season.

VegasInsider.com contributor Dan Dobish mentioned a solid trend on the Jaguars-Bills outcome in last week’s Betting Recap. This game had the lowest total on the board and it easily went ‘over’ the number (41), which was the fourth consecutive week that the lowest number cashed ‘over’ tickets.

If you’re looking to follow that angle, the San Francisco-St. Louis game falls into place and that’s also a TNF System play since the 49ers played at home in Week 7 versus the Seahawks. The angle has gone 3-3 this season and is coming of a loss last week (Saints-Colts).

Non-Conference Affairs

The ‘under’ trend in AFC-NFC matchups continued this past weekend with a 4-0 record, pushing the number to 20-9 (69%) after seven weeks of action. This week’s card has five non-conference games on tap.

Detroit vs. Kansas City from London (9:30 a.m. ET): The ‘over/under’ has gone 1-1 in the two overseas games this season and is 7-6 to the ‘over’ since the International Series began in the UK. The Chiefs are on a 3-0 run to the ‘under’ while the Lions are 3-0 to the ‘over’ in their last three.

Arizona at Cleveland: The Browns own the best ‘over’ record (6-1) in the league and the Cardinals (5-2) are right behind them but their last two contests have gone ‘under’ the number. Cleveland’s offense is starting to simmer down and injuries are playing a major part.

San Diego at Baltimore: Oddsmakers sent out 50 ½ on this game and that number has been holding steady. Make a note, that we’ve seen 11 totals listed in the fifties this season and the ‘under’ has gone 9-2 (82%) in those games, which includes this past Thursday’s result between the Patriots and Dolphins. Even though this matchup fits two seasonal ‘under’ trends, neither the Ravens (26.9 PPG) or Chargers (28.3) are good defensively and you have two quarterbacks that can move the ball. Those two factors more often than not create great ‘over’ wagers.

Green Bay at Denver: See Below

Indianapolis at Carolina: See Below

Divisional Battles

Minnesota at Chicago: The ‘under’ is on a 7-1 run in this series, which includes an easy 2-0 mark last season as the Vikings only mustered up 13 points in each game. The total this season is much lower (42 ½) due to Minnesota’s ‘under’ tendencies (5-1) under second-year head coach Mike Zimmer.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta: The ‘over’ is on a 3-1 run and Atlanta has averaged 35.5 points per game during this stretch, which includes a 56-spot at home against Tampa Bay last season. The Bucs scoring defense is tied for last at 29.8 PPG.

San Francisco at St. Louis: This series has seen the ‘over/under’ go 4-4 in the last eight meetings but the combined scoring average (44.3 PPG) has been much higher in St. Louis, which has produced a 3-1 ‘over’ mark during this span.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: We used to see very low totals in this series but the tide started changing last season with numbers ranging from 47 ½ to 48 ½ points. Sunday’s total is in the same neighborhood and with Big Ben expected to go for the Steelers, we should expect points. Pittsburgh is 6-1 to the ‘under’ this season but those numbers should be tossed out due to the aforementioned QB situation. Cincy has quietly gone 5-1 to the ‘over’ behind an offense averaging 30.3 PPG.

Tennessee at Houston: The ‘over’ went 2-0 in both encounters last season but this week’s matchup looks like a toss-up. Tennessee is averaging 10 PPG the last three weeks and starting Zach Mettenberger at QB for the second straight game. Houston’s defense was diced up last week but its two best efforts of the season came against younger QBs in Winston and Bortles.

Under the Lights

As mentioned above, the ‘under’ has gone 16-7 (69%) in primetime games this season which includes this past Thursday’s result between the Patriots and Dolphins. This week’s game are very tough to gauge based on the total form of the teams involved but all of them boast quality players at the quarterback position that have shown the ability in their careers to put up points.

Green Bay at Denver: In any other season, we’d be staring a total in the fifties but the Packers (16.8 PPG) and Broncos (17 PPG) enter this game with the two best scoring defenses. Green Bay has been the better of the two offensively but most of that damage has come at home. Meanwhile, Denver has only played two home games and those games saw a combined 32 and 43 points scored. Both teams are off the bye and they both have impressive numbers with rest. Green Bay has won and covered eight of nine and six straight off the bye and the offense has averaged 36.5 PPG the last four seasons. Since Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, the team has gone 3-0 both SU and ATS while averaging 34.3 PPG.

Indianapolis at Carolina: This total seems a tad high (46 ½) knowing Carolina’s defense (18.3 PPG, 339 YPG) is one of the best in the league. However, the Colts unit is one of the worst (408 YPG, 24.9 PPG) in the NFL. Carolina is averaging 27 PPG this season behind the league’s best rushing attack (144 YPG). When the Panthers have been forced to pass, Cam Newtown has done a decent job and he should be excited to face this weak unit. Indy hasn’t been prolific offensively and even though Andrew Luck lost back-to-back games in Week 7, his numbers are still solid off losses. The ‘under’ has gone 7-1 in MNF games this season and the high total makes me believe that both clubs will get at least four scores in this contest.

Fearless Predictions

My losing streak was extended to three weeks after I posted the 0-4 ($430) record in Week 7. I could try to provide reasons but losses are losses and the bankroll is nearing the four-digit mark ($680) as we approach the midseason. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!

Best Over: Indianapolis-Carolina 46

Best Under: Seattle-Dallas 41

Best Team Total: Over 23 ½ St. Louis

Three-Team Total Teaser:
Over 30 San Francisco-St. Louis
Over 39 ½ Cincinnati-Pittsburgh
Under 55 ½ Arizona-Cleveland

[StarDust Bum]

Week 8 Tip Sheet
October 30, 2015

Bengals at Steelers (PK, 48 ½) – 1:00 PM EST

Cincinnati is one of the five undefeated teams remaining in the NFL heading into Week 8, as the Bengals are fresh off the bye week with a trip to Heinz Field. The Bengals (6-0 SU, 5-0-1 ATS) are the only squad in the league not to suffer an ATS loss yet, coming off a 34-21 victory at Buffalo two weeks ago as three-point favorites. Marvin Lewis’ team continues to cash for ‘over’ bettors, going 5-1 to the ‘over,’ including 3-0 away from Paul Brown Stadium. However, Cincinnati will be playing with double-revenge after getting swept by Pittsburgh last season, including a 27-17 setback in Week 17 at Heinz Field.

The Steelers (4-3 SU, 5-1-1 ATS) have done their best to keep their heads above water without Ben Roethlisberger in the lineup the last four games. Big Ben is expected back under on Sunday for the first time since hurting his knee in a Week 3 victory at St. Louis. The Steelers saw their modest two-game winning streak come to an end at Kansas City last Sunday in a 23-13 loss, as Pittsburgh turned the ball over three times. Pittsburgh has turned up its defense recently, cashing the ‘under’ in five straight games, while holding four opponents in this stretch to 20 points or less in regulation.

Vikings (-1, 42 ½) at Bears – 1:00 PM EST

Green Bay is running away with the NFC North at 6-0, but Minnesota is hanging in with hopes of Wild Card spot at 4-2. The Vikings (4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS) head to Soldier Field trying to improve on a 1-2 road record, coming off their first away victory last Sunday by beating Detroit, 28-19. Minnesota overcame a 17-6 deficit thanks to a pair of touchdown passes by Teddy Bridgewater, who threw for a season-high 316 yards. Mike Zimmer’s club finally cashed an ‘over’ following five straight ‘unders’ to start the season last week, while six of the last seven meetings with the Bears have finished ‘under’ the total.

The Bears (2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) return from the bye after seeing their two-game winning streak snapped in an overtime setback at Detroit in Week 6. Chicago’s two victories this season have come by a combined three points against Oakland and Kansas City, while covering three consecutive games since an 0-3 ATS start. The Bears haven’t lost to the Vikings at home since 2007, which includes erasing a 10-0 deficit in a 21-13 triumph last November behind three touchdown passes by Jay Cutler.

Buccaneers at Falcons (-7 ½, 48 ½) – 1:00 PM EST

Tampa Bay (2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) finally was turning the corner after jumping out to a 24-0 advantage at Washington last Sunday, seeking to reach the .500 mark. However, a monumental meltdown by the Buccaneers dropped them two games below .500 in a 31-30 shocking loss to the Redskins, even though they managed a cover as three-point underdogs. Jameis Winston put together his best game as a pro by throwing for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but Tampa Bay’s defense has allowed at least 31 points in the past three games, resulting in three ‘overs.’

Following a terrific 4-0 ATS start to the season, the Falcons (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS) have failed to cover their last three contests. Atlanta got past Tennessee last Sunday, 10-7 as five-point road favorites, scoring its lone touchdown in the third quarter on a Matt Ryan hook-up with Julio Jones. The Falcons rebounded from their first loss of the season at New Orleans by relying on the legs of Devonta Freeman, who broke the 100-yard mark for the third straight game. Atlanta has won six of the past seven meetings with Tampa Bay at the Georgia Dome, including a 56-14 thrashing last season.

49ers at Rams (-8 ½, 39 ½) – 1:00 PM EST

The NFC West race halfway through the season is in Arizona’s hands, although St. Louis owns a perfect 2-0 record in the division with wins over the Cardinals and Seahawks. The Rams (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) search for back-to-back victories for the first time this season, coming off an impressive 24-6 home triumph over the Browns as 6 ½-point favorites. Todd Gurley continues his stellar rookie campaign, rushing for 128 yards against Cleveland, the third straight game the former Georgia star has busted the 100-yard plateau. The Rams have struggled with the 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome by losing three of the last four home meetings, topped off by a 31-17 setback last season.

San Francisco (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) has yet to win away from Levi’s Stadium this season, going 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS on the highway. The 49ers put up a stinker last Thursday night in a 20-3 home loss as 6 ½-point underdogs, while accumulating a season-low 142 yards and being held without a touchdown for the second time this season. San Francisco has been outgained in the yardage department in six consecutive games, while the defense has allowed 120 points in three road losses. How bad of an ATS run are the Niners on? Since last November, San Francisco owns a dreadful 3-9-1 ATS record the past 13 games, as four of its past five road losses are by double-digits.

Titans at Texans (-4 ½, 43 ½) – 1:00 PM EST

Two struggling teams inside the AFC South look for some way to get on track in Houston. The Titans (1-5 SU, 3-3 ATS) dominated the Buccaneers on opening day, but that’s the last time Tennessee sniffed the win column. Tennessee lost its fifth straight game last Sunday, including the fourth in a row at home in a 10-7 setback to Atlanta. In spite of covering as a home underdog, the Titans were limited to 14 points or fewer for the fourth time in five games. Marcus Mariota will sit out the second straight game with a knee injury suffered against the Dolphins, as Zach Mettenberger is set to start once again at quarterback. The former LSU standout is winless in six NFL starts, as Tennessee goes for its first road divisional victory since Week 16 of the 2013 season at Jacksonville.

Somehow, the Texans (2-5 SU, 2-5 ATS) sit one game behind the Colts for first place in the dreadful AFC South. Houston didn’t help its case for the top spot in the division after getting blown away at Miami last week, falling behind 41-0 at halftime in a 44-26 defeat as 4 ½-point underdogs. Brian Hoyer will make his third straight start at quarterback for the Texans, who have cashed the ‘over’ in four consecutive games. The Texans routed the Titans in a season sweep in 2014, including a 30-16 triumph at home.

[StarDust Bum]

QB Mettenberger to start for Titans
October 30, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Quarterback Marcus Mariota is close to a return from his knee injury, just not this week for the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans announced Friday that they will hold Mariota out for a second straight game Sunday. Zach Mettenberger will start at Houston.

''He made a lot of progress this week,'' coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ''I think he's close, but we're not going to play him this week. I think that's the best decision for him, and that's what we're going to go with.

''I think physically he's probably right on the line of being ready to go. But it's a tough enough position to play without getting the bulk of the reps, and that was part of it''

Mariota, who sprained the MCL in his left knee Oct. 17 against the Miami Dolphins, was limited to individual work in practice this week. Mariota may be on track to return to action on Nov. 8 when the Titans travel to face the New Orleans Saints.

''You've got to be careful about saying those things, because you never know when something could change, but where we are today, like I said about it, it's more of a function of not having gone enough in practice to feel comfortable with it,'' Whisenhunt said.

The Titans will turn to Mettenberger, who completed 22 of 35 passes in a 10-7 loss to Atlanta last week. Mettenberger threw for 187 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The loss was Tennessee's fifth in a row and dropped Mettenberger to 0-7 as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

''You play the game to win,'' Mettenberger said. ''Losing is not fun. It's definitely not what I work for, and I'm just going to keep grinding until I can turn it around and get a win.''

The Titans also ruled out receiver Harry Douglas (rib cartilage) and cornerback Perrish Cox (hamstring) for the second straight game. Neither practiced at all this week for the Titans.

Safety Michael Griffin (knee) is probable and cornerback Jason McCourty (hamstring) questionable after practicing Friday, and Whisenhunt anticipated they would play against the Texans on Sunday.

Center Andy Gallik (concussion) returned to practice Friday. He is questionable and expected to receive final clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol later Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

Manning, Rodgers headline rare meeting of 6-0 teams
October 31, 2015

DENVER (AP) At some point in every great athlete's career, he or she must deal with the reality that the best days are in the past.

Peyton Manning has reached that point.

Aaron Rodgers isn't there yet.

While some view Sunday's game as a rare chance to compare and contrast two great quarterbacks at different points on their career arcs, the quarterbacks themselves prefer to focus on the task at hand: Green Bay vs. Denver, each looking to improve to 7-0.

Neither is blind to the fact, however, that they have always been judged as thoroughly and harshly as anyone when they take the field - with everything from age, to arm strength, to decision-making among the factors being evaluated.

''You've got to continue to play at a high level,'' said Rodgers, now in his 11th season and, like Manning, still in search of his second Super Bowl ring. ''If you're an ascending player, you've got to stay on the rise. If you're near the end, you've got to avoid being a descending player.''

Manning, now 39 and in his 18th season, has struggled mightily to avoid looking like a player in decline. For all his difficulties - when asked about his stat line of seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, he quipped, ''That's not breaking news'' - his team is still 6-0. With one more victory, Manning will match Brett Favre with the most regular-season wins for a starting quarterback at 186.

That Manning could do it against the team Favre won most of his games with is a mere coincidence - one the quarterback hasn't had much time to dwell on.

''I don't really get into what-ifs and hypotheticals,'' Manning said.

This is hardly the time to do it.

Manning's adjustment to new coach Gary Kubiak's offense has been ugly, filled with off-target throws, a few pick-6s and more than a few questions. The offense is ranked 29th.

It's Denver's top-ranked defense that's winning games for the Broncos, but while the unit led by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware hums along, many expect the Denver offense to look a bit different coming out of a bye week. If the Broncos can't run the ball, logic says they should revert to a passing game that more resembles what Manning is comfortable in: shotgun looks, quick reads and quick slants, no more bootlegs or throwing on the run.

It would help if the line would block better, both for the 30th-ranked running game and to protect an immobile and fragile quarterback.

''We continue to, I don't want to use the word `search,' but some of the things we had going on personnel wise, we've become a little bit different football team - a three-wide and four-wide football team,'' Kubiak said. ''We're battling through that.''

Green Bay, meanwhile, is 6-0 largely because the team's star, Rodgers, is clicking along nicely.

He started the season with 11 touchdown passes and no interceptions to join Don Meredith and Manning as only the third QB to do that. Rodgers ranks either first or second in pretty much every important passing stat this season.

And yet, his offense has been at less than full strength because of injuries to receivers Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. Last season, the Packers cracked the 35-point mark six times. This year, they've scored that many points just once. The Packers were heavily favored but didn't shine in home wins against St. Louis or San Diego, which caused some muttering in Wisconsin. Naturally, the quarterback took some of the heat.

''We're often in the crosshairs every Monday,'' Rodgers said. ''Whether it was a good game or a bad game. Pundits and experts have their opinions. It comes with the territory. We're both 6-0. It's tough to do. I know everyone's excited about that, especially NBC.''

Cris Collinsworth, who will call the game for the network Sunday night, is among the many being asked to break down the struggles Manning is enduring in what is increasingly looking like his last season.

''Does he have Aaron's arm? Not even close,'' Collinsworth said. ''But can he win a football game and win a championship with the way this team can play defense? Yeah, I think he can.''

While used to living under the microscope, Manning is also accustomed to being on one end of these marquee-quarterback meetings. While ''Manning-Rodgers 2'' opens the month of November - their only other meeting was a 34-14 Packers win over the Colts in 2008 - ''Manning-Brady 17'' will close it on Nov. 29.

After Denver's end-of-month meeting against Tom Brady and New England, football fans will have a better idea if this is the end for Manning, or merely a production dip caused by a rocky experiment with a new coach. Rodgers, in his prime now but closer to the end of his career than the beginning, calls Manning, quite simply, ''a legend.''

To him, this week's game has no bearing on that.

''He's done it for such a long time at a high level,'' Rodgers said. ''He's been the standard for quarterbacks, and pretty soon he's going to have just about all the records in our league, and that's pretty impressive.''

[StarDust Bum]

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers already in Broncos' heads
October 30, 2015

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Aaron Rodgers is already in the Denver Broncos' heads.

By burning defenders early in the season, drawing linemen offside and then completing deep passes, Green Bay's star quarterback has members of the league's best defense focused on not falling prey to the best hard counter and free-play artist in the league.

''It's a little bit harder on the road because our crowd is going to be loud, so they're going to have to go silent count,'' Denver defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said. ''We've got a guy here who was great at that. John Elway was one of the best I've ever seen and this guy is comparable. He draws people offside, and when he does, he throws it deep and makes a big play.

''They've had six plays for over 200 yards drawing people offside. We're well aware of it. Our guys know it. I told our guys we're rushing the passer pretty well without jumping offside or without trying to jump the count. If we just do what we've been doing, we'll be all right.''

The Broncos, whose 26 sacks lead the league, surrendered a 47-yard completion on a free play in the fourth quarter at Cleveland in their last game when Malik Jackson jumped offside, allowing the Browns to hang around until overtime.

Rodgers has drawn defenders offside eight times this season and then thrown deep without repercussion.

Six times he made them pay with big completions downfield that totaled 210 yards, including TD throws of 29 and 27 yards. One of his deep passes fell incomplete and the Packers accepted the 5-yard penalty. The other time, Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman was whistled for a 52-yard pass interference infraction.

All of those plays occurred at Lambeau Field except for a 34-yard pass to James Jones in the Packers' opener at Chicago.

A lot like Peyton Manning, his counterpart in Sunday night's showdown between undefeated teams, Rodgers is also adept at catching defenses off-guard when they make substitutions. He'll call for a quick snap before a defender has retreated to the sideline, drawing a 12-men flag. He's caught four opponents so far, although one was wiped out by an offsetting penalty.

Only one of Rodgers' big free plays has come in the last month, showing that opponents have adjusted.

There's still a residual effect that's benefiting Green Bay, however.

When opponents are so cognizant of not jumping offside, ''it's going to slow down the rush a little bit,'' Rodgers said. ''Against a team like this that has great outside rushers and guys that really push the pocket inside, if they're worried about the snap count, that's definitely going to help us a little bit.''

Antonio Smith, one of a dozen Denver defenders with a sack so far, said ''the crowd's going to be our biggest ally this week. It's going to be I think just as important as any part of the game plan that we're going to put in is the amount of noise that we can generate out there on the field, to get him out of the hard counts and the snap counts and things like that.''

If defenders do get deked and jump offside, Smith said the key is to make sure they don't try to jump back because it's that pull-up that creates the space and time necessary for Rodgers to find his receivers deep, even against a star-studded secondary like Denver's.

''I'll say try not to jump as best as you can but whenever you do jump, don't stop,'' Smith said. ''And if the referee doesn't blow that whistle, tag him and he won't get no free play.''

Notes: Von Miller returned to practice Friday after missing a day to attend his grandfather's funeral in Dallas. ... LT Ty Sambrailo (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday and WR Jordan Norwood questionable after he injured a hamstring Friday. ... The Broncos are honoring members of the `97 team that beat the Packers in the Super Bowl in festivities this weekend.

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NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 8


Chiefs (2-5) vs Lions (1-6) (@ London)-- Two teams having dismal season head over pond here; Detroit is on road for first time since Monday night loss in Seattle- they lost two of three on homestand- its possible Stafford broke non-throwing hand Sunday. Lions allowed 7.3+ ypa in every game this season; not good. Detroit hammered KC 48-3 last time teams met in 2011, long time ago. Chiefs are +5 in turnovers last three games, but scored only 3.6 ppp on ten red zone drives; not good- they haven't averaged more than 7.0 ypa any game this season. NFC North teams are 10-7 vs spread outside its division (4-5 as underdogs); AFC West teams are 8-12 (4-6 as favorites). Last three Detroit games went over total; last three Chief games stayed under.

Vikings (4-2) @ Bears (2-4)-- Home side won last six series games; Vikings are 1-13 in last 14 visits here, losing last seven, with four of last five by 7+ points. Last year, NFL teams were 11-20-1 vs spread coming off a bye; this year, they're 8-2. Bears won four of last five post-bye games; they're 7-4 against spread in last 11 tries as post-bye dog. Chicago's last three games were decided by total of six points. Vikings won four of last five games since opening loss in SF, with only loss by FG in Denver; they're 4-0 on carpet this year, 0-2 on natural grass. NFL-wide, divisional home underdogs are 4-5 vs spread. Over is 3-1 in last four Viking games, 1-3 in last four Chicago games. If playoffs started today, Minnesota would be in #6 NFC seed; this is a game they normally lose- win here would be big plus.

Buccaneers (2-4) @ Falcons (6-1)-- Atlanta is 6-1, despite trailing in 4th quarter in four of six wins, plus lackluster 10-7 win in Nashville Sunday; since 2012, they're 8-11 as a home favorite. Falcons won 10 of last 13 games vs Tampa Bay, winning six of last seven here, with last three all by 8+ points. Bucs lost three of last four games but scored 30.3 ppg in last three, as WR Evans (8 catches/164 yds LW) is bonafide star. Tampa also ran ball for 171. ypg in last three games so they're improved team with balanced offense, but blowing 24-0 lead in Washington LW hurts. Atlanta held last four opponents to 81 or less yards on ground. NFL-wide, divisional home favorites are 5-16-1 vs spread. Last three Tampa Bay games went over the total.

Giants (4-3) @ Saints (3-4)-- Eli Manning comes home for this one, as well as both Giant WRs, Beckham/Randle (LSU guys); Giants lost last four trips to Superdome; their last win here was in '93 (last three losses here all by 21+). Since '11, Big Blue is 15-11 as road dogs, 2-1 this year. Saints won three of last four games after 0-3 start; they're +5 in turnovers in last two games, after being -5 in first five. NO is 21-10-1 as a home favorite last 4.5 years, 1-1 so far this year. Last six series games were decided by 7+ points. Saints have seven TDs on last nine red zone drives. Giants have 16 takeaways, eight in last two weeks. NFC East non-divisional underdogs are 3-6 vs spread, 2-3 on road. NFC South favorites are 8-3 outside its division, 5-2 at home.

49ers (2-5) @ Rams (3-3)-- Emergence of rookie RB Gurley has improved Rams at .500 at 3-3; they scored 24+ points in three wins, 10-6-10 in losses. Last three games, St Louis ran ball for average of 152.6 ypg, has 10 takeaways (+5). 49ers are 0-3 on road, allowing 40.0 ppg (allow 15 ppg at home); they're 10-3-1 in last 14 series games, 6-2 in last eight here-- road team won both meetings LY. Rams are 6-6 as home favorite under Fisher, 1-1 so far this year; Niners are 3-5-1 in last nine games as road dog. Four of last five St Louis games stayed under; four of last five 49er games went over. 49ers played last Thursday; teams are 9-3 vs spread this year coming off Thursday game (7-1 if underdogs). Rams opponents are just 9 for last 36 on third down.

Cardinals (5-2) @ Browns (2-5)-- Cleveland QB McCown (shoulder) is iffy here, Manziel would make second '15 start if he can't go. Arizona has long travel on short week after win over Ravens Monday night; Cardinals are 2-1 on road this year; all five of their wins are by 8+ points. Under Arians, Arizona is 14-6-1 as a favorite, 5-2 on road. Since '12, Cleveland is 9-5 as a home dog; they're 1-2 at home this year, losing to Oakland/Denver. Home side won three of last four series games; Redbirds were last here in '03. Over is 5-2 in Arizona games, 6-1 in Cleveland tilts. NFC North teams are 11-7-1 vs spread outside its division, 5-1 at home. NFC West teams are 8-10, 3-5 on road. Browns turned ball over seven times in last two games, after turning it over only three times in previous four.

Bengals (6-0) @ Steelers (4-3)-- Big Ben expected back for Pitt, which won eight of last ten games with Cincy, four of last five here (all wins by 10+ points). This will be first game this season Steelers have Roethlisberger/Bell together on field. 6-0 Bengals are off their bye; teams are 8-2 vs spread off a bye this year, but Cincy is 4-11-1 in last 16 post-bye games- they've averaged 7.4+ ypa in five of six games. Steelers ran ball for 152.5 ypg in last four games, without passing threat that Big Ben provides; they're 4-0 allowing 20 or less points, 0-3 when they allow more. Cincinnati scored 24+ points in every game this season. Home side is 9-21-1 vs spread in divisional games this year. Last four Bengal games went over total; last five Steeler games stayed under.

Chargers (2-5) @ Ravens (1-6)-- Couple of sliding teams; San Diego lost five of its last six games; they've given up 24+ points in all seven games. 1-6 Baltimore has already played four games out west, losing all four; they're 7-13 as home favorite since '12 (0-2 this year, losing SU to Bengals/Browns). Chargers are 14-8-1 as road dogs, 1-2 this year- this is their 4th trip east of Mississippi this year. These teams split last 10 meetings; three of last four were decided by 5 or less points- Chargers (+6) won 34-33 here LY, Rivers threw for 376 yards in game where Ravens were +2 in turnovers, had 15-yard edge in field position. AFC West non-divisional road underdogs are 3-5 against spread; NFC North favorites are 6-3.

Titans (1-5) @ Texans (2-5)-- Not much to choose from here; Tennessee lost its last five games, scoring 10 ppg in last three (three TDs on last 32 drives). Houston lost three of last four games, allowing 34 ppg; they've trailed 28-0/41-0 at halftime already this year, had to cut their backup QB for non-football reasons. JJ Watt is banged-up; coach is on hot seat. Texans won five of last six series games,, with four wins by 14+ points; Titans lost three in row here by 24-6-24 points. This is Tennessee's first road game since Week 2; they won at Tampa, lost 28-14 in Cleveland. If Mariota can't go, backup Mettenberger is 0-7 in his career as NFL starter. Last four Houston games, four of six Titan games went over total.

Jets (4-2) @ Raiders (3-3)-- Home side won six of last seven series games; Jets won six of last eight, but are here for first time since 2011. NJ (-5) beat Raiders 19-14 at home LY, outgaining Oakland 402-158; Jets have 14 takeaways (+8) in four wins, one (-4) in their two losses; they allowed 14 or less points in three of four wins, 24-30 in losses to Eagles and Patriots. Improved Raiders scored 27+ points in their three wins, 13-20-10 in losses, but they lost two of three home games. Jets are 21 of last 44 on 3rd down; they're 1-1 on road, winning in Indy, losing at Foxboro- they won in London on a neutral field. Four of six Oakland games went over total. AFC East non-divisional faves are 6-4-1 vs spread; AFC West underdogs are 4-6.

Seahawks (3-4) @ Cowboys (2-4)-- Dallas won four of five series games since losing '06 playoff game after Romo botched snap from center on a kick. Cassel gets his second start after tossing three picks in Swamp (-4 TOs) last week; Cowboys are 0-4 since Romo was injured, losing by 11-6-24-7 points- their defense didn't force turnover in any of their four losses (-7). Seattle allowed total of 13 points in its three wins; they gave up 27+ points in all four losses; Seahawks are 1-3 on road with two 3-point losses; they played last week on Thursday- teams are 9-3 vs spread coming off Thursday night games. Seattle opponents are 17 of 63 (27%) on third down in five games since Chancellor came back. Seahawks lost last three visits to Dallas, by 25-21-10 points.

Packers (6-0) @ Broncos (6-0)-- Pair of unbeatens coming off bye, with Broncos as home dog on night they honor owner Pat Bowlen, who is very ill. Denver hasn't been a home dog since 2012; they're 1-4 in last five games as home dog. Green Bay won last visit here in OT in 2007, its last visit here and only win in six trips to Denver. Packers are 6-2 in last eight games as road favorite, 2-0 this year, winning 31-23 in Chicago, 17-3 at SF. Denver defense scored three TDs, offense only nine; they beat Ravens 19-13, Vikings 23-20 in only home games so far. Packers have been +1 in turnovers in all six games so far; they scored 24+ in five of six games, SF being exception. Last three Green Bay games stayed under the total.

Colts (3-4) @ Panthers (6-0)-- Indy is house divided with lame-duck coach; all three of its wins are vs bad division rivals, with two of three on road. Colts are 2-0 as underdogs this season, they're 5-4 in last nine games as road underdog. Carolina won four of last five series games; visitors won four of those five. Indy split pair here; last visit was in '07. Carolina is 6-0, with home wins by 7-5-11 points; they've run ball for 152.6 ypg in last five tilts. NFC South teams are 8-3 as non-divisional favorites, 5-2 at home; AFC South road dogs are 1-5. Panthers are 9-3-2 vs spread in last 14 games as home favorite; they scored 10+ points in 11 of 12 halves this season- consistent. Three of last four Carolina games went over total.

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NFL

Sunday, November 1

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Sunday Night Football betting preview: Packers at Broncos
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Sunday's contest pits teams 6-0 or better for the fourth time in NFL history, and first since New England (8-0) faced Indianapolis (7-0) in 2007.

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos (+2.5, 45.5)

The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos share many similarities, namely future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, unblemished records and questions surrounding their respective running games. The Broncos, however, boast the league's most dominant defense and that could prove to be the difference when the teams test their mettle in Denver on Sunday.

The Broncos have scored a defensive touchdown in four of the last six contests, including a 26-23 overtime victory at Cleveland on Oct. 18. Denver's opportunistic defense will be challenged by two-time and reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers, who tossed a pair of touchdowns - including the sixth to familiar target James Jones - in a 27-20 victory over San Diego on Oct. 18. Denver's Peyton Manning has struggled mightily this season, throwing two touchdowns against seven interceptions in the last three games. Should the league's only five-time MVP right the ship, Manning would tie former Packers star Brett Favre for most victories (186) by a quarterback in the regular season.

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

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Packers as 2.5-point road faves and the total at 46.

INJURY REPORT:

Packers - WR Davante Adams (Probable, ankle), S Morgan Burnett (Probable, calf), CB Damarious Randall (Questionable, ankle), RB James Starks (Questionable, hip), LB Nick Perry (Questionable, shoulder), DT B.J. Raji (Questionable, groin), WR Ty Montgomery (Questionable, ankle), S Sean Richardson (I-R, neck), TE Andrew Quarless (I-R, knee), DT Josh Boyd (I-R, ankle), LB Sam Barrington (I-R, ankle), WR Jordy Nelson (I-R, knee).

Broncos - LB Demarcus Ware (Probable, back), WR Emmanuel Sanders (Probable, shoulder), WR Jordan Norwood (Questionable, hamstring), RB Juwan Thompson (Questionable, hamstring), T Ty Sambrailo (Doubtful, shoulder), LB Shane Ray (Early Dec., knee), TE Jeff Heuerman (Out for season, knee), T Ryan Clady (I-R, knee).

WEATHER: Temperatures in the low-60s with wind blowing across the field at around 7 mph.

POWER RANKINGS: Packers (-6) + Broncos (-4.5) + home field (-3.0) = Broncos -1.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "I?m still not sold on the Packers ability to stop the run defensively. Dom Capers stop unit has allowed 4.7 yards per carry, ranked in the bottom quartile of the NFL. Here?s a stat I didn?t expect to see: Peyton Manning is tied with Sam Bradford with ten interceptions, the most INT?s for any quarterback in the league this year."

ABOUT THE PACKERS (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS, 2-4 O/U): After battling a nagging ankle injury, Eddie Lacy dealt with a different issue this week as reporters questioned whether the 234-pound - give or take a few - running back is being hampered by his weight. Lacy was limited to four carries for three yards versus the Chargers, with backup James Starks receiving the bulk of the work in that contest. Starks has been hampered by an ailing hip this week and coach Mike McCarthy hinted that Lacy could shoulder the load versus Denver by revealing that he is "starting to get back to himself."

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS, 2-4 O/U): Ronnie Hillman (team-leading 323 yards rushing) said he believes Denver's ground attack is about to get on track. "The offensive line is starting to get in a groove and it's making it easier for us to run," said Hillman, who rushed for 111 yards against the Browns before the team's bye. C.J. Anderson (2.7 yards per carry) admitted he was more injured than he let on earlier in the season, but told the Denver Post that he feels ready to go after the bye week.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in Broncos last five home games.
* Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a ATS loss.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-five percent of users are backing the Packers.

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NFL

Sunday, November 1


Packers upgrade Randall, Raji to probable

The Green Bay Packers upgraded cornerback Damarious Randall and defensive tackle DT B.J. Raji to probable on their injury report Saturday.

Randall has an ankle injury and Raji has a groin injury.

The team downgraded wide receiver Ty Montgomery (ankle) to doubtful.

The Packers visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.



Bengals are last team without an ATS loss

The Cincinnati Bengals head into Sunday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers as the only team without a loss against the spread so far this season. Cincy heads into Sunday's matchup with an unblemished 6-0 record straight up and is 5-0-1 ATS in those games.

The push came in Week 5 when the Bengals defeated the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 27-24 as 3-point home favorites.

There has been some line movement in Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. Books opened the Steelers as 1.5-point home dogs, but that currently sits at Steelers -1 at the time of writing.


Falcons dominant at home versus Bucs in Matt Ryan era

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has won six of his seven home starts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has a 152.8 rating, six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last two meetings in Atlanta.

The Falcons are 3-4 against the spread in those games and the Over/Under count is 4-3.

The one loss came in 2012 when the Bucs triumphed by a score of 22-17.

This time around, the Falcons are 7.5-point home favorites and head into the game with a 4-3 record ATS.


Chiefs QB Smith has good history versus Lions

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has only played the Detroit Lions four times in his career and all four of those came as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, but he has posted some solid numbers versus the NFC North team.

Smith is 4-0 straight up in those four games, throwing for 717 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. Smith's teams have profitable at the betting window in those games as well, going 3-0-1 against the spread with the Over/Under count coming in at 0-3-1.

The Chiefs and Lions will play in London, England Sunday with books currently offering the Chiefs as 3.5-point favorites after opening -6.

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NFL

Sunday, November 1


NFL injury report for Sunday's games

ARIZONA CARDINALS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

ARIZONA CARDINALS

--Out: TE Darren Fells (shoulder), LB Alex Okafor (calf)

--Questionable: WR John Brown (hamstring), WR Brittan Golden (groin), CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring)

--Probable: CB Justin Bethel (foot), S Deone Bucannon (elbow), LB Dwight Freeney (finger), DT Frostee Rucker (quadriceps), C Lyle Sendlein (ankle)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

--Out: WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion), TE Rob Housler (hamstring), S Jordan Poyer (shoulder)

--Questionable: S Tashaun Gipson (ankle), QB Josh McCown (right shoulder, ribs), LB Craig Robertson (ankle)

--Probable: RB Isaiah Crowell (ribs), CB Joe Haden (concussion, finger), DE John Hughes (knee), LB Paul Kruger (illness), QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow), WR Marlon Moore (hamstring), CB K'Waun Williams (hamstring)


CINCINNATI BENGALS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

--Questionable: CB Leon Hall (back)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

--Out: S Will Allen (ankle), LB Terence Garvin (knee), DE Stephon Tuitt (knee), QB Michael Vick (hamstring)

--Probable: CB William Gay (shoulder), LB James Harrison (not injury related), TE Heath Miller (not injury related), QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee), TE Matt Spaeth (not injury related), C Cody Wallace (illness)


DETROIT LIONS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

DETROIT LIONS

--Out: LB DeAndre Levy (hip)

--Questionable: T LaAdrian Waddle (knee)

--Probable: RB Joique Bell (ankle), WR Calvin Johnson (not injury related), P Sam Martin (left knee), CB Rashean Mathis (illness), TE Brandon Pettigrew (elbow), QB Matthew Stafford (quadriceps), LB Stephen Tulloch (illness)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

--Out: DE Mike Devito (concussion), G Ben Grubbs (neck), LB Ramik Wilson (ankle)

--Questionable: LB Tamba Hali (knee)

--Probable: TE Travis Kelce (groin), WR Jeremy Maclin (concussion), LB Joshua Mauga (groin, Achilles), DT Dontari Poe (ankle), QB Alex Smith (right thumb), RB Charcandrick West (pectoral)


MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

--Out: LB Audie Cole (finger), TE Rhett Ellison (concussion), DT Sharrif Floyd (knee, ankle), DE Justin Trattou (foot)

--Probable: DT Tom Johnson (knee), RB Zach Line (neck), RB Adrian Peterson (hip, finger, ankle), WR Adam Thielen (ankle), WR Jarius Wright (concussion)

CHICAGO BEARS

--Doubtful: LB Shea McClellin (knee)

--Questionable: T Jermon Bushrod (shoulder), DT Bruce Gaston (illness), C Hroniss Grasu (neck), S Antrel Rolle (ankle)

--Probable: LB Pernell McPhee (not injury related), G Patrick Omameh (ankle), G Matt Slauson (knee, shoulder)


NEW YORK GIANTS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NEW YORK GIANTS

--Out: CB Prince Amukamara (pectoral), WR Victor Cruz (calf), DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (hamstring), LB J.T. Thomas (ankle)

--Questionable: LB Jon Beason (ankle)

--Probable: WR Odell Beckham (hamstring), G Geoff Schwartz (ankle), LB Uani' Unga (neck)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

--Out: LB David Hawthorne (hamstring), T Andrus Peat (knee)

--Doubtful: LB Dannell Ellerbe (hip)

--Questionable: CB Keenan Lewis (hip)

--Probable: T Terron Armstead (knee), WR Marques Colston (not injury related), G Jahri Evans (not injury related), G Mike McGlynn (not injury related), CB Damian Swann (concussion), DT Kevin Williams (not injury related)


NEW YORK JETS at OAKLAND RAIDERS

NEW YORK JETS

--Out: RB Bilal Powell (ankle), S Calvin Pryor (ankle), WR Devin Smith (ankle)

--Doubtful: C Nick Mangold (neck)

--Questionable: G Willie Colon (knee), WR Eric Decker (knee), CB Buster Skrine (shoulder, hand)

--Probable: S Dion Bailey (hip), T Breno Giacomini (thumb), RB Chris Ivory (hamstring), CB Dexter McDougle (hand), P Ryan Quigley (right shin), RB Stevan Ridley (knee), DE Leonard Williams (knee), CB Marcus Williams (hamstring)

OAKLAND RAIDERS

--Out: LB Neiron Ball (knee)

--Probable: DT Denico Autry (concussion), CB T.J. Carrie (shoulder), DT Justin Ellis (ankle), CB Keith McGill (foot), S Charles Woodson (shoulder, knee)


SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at BALTIMORE RAVENS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

--Out: G Orlando Franklin (ankle), LB Manti Te'o (ankle), S Eric Weddle (groin), LB Tourek Williams (foot)

--Doubtful: LB Denzel Perryman (biceps)

--Questionable: TE Antonio Gates (knee), DT Sean Lissemore (hamstring), CB Craig Mager (hamstring)

--Probable: RB Melvin Gordon (ankle), C Chris Watt (groin, concussion)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

--Out: WR Breshad Perriman (knee), CB Tray Walker (concussion)

--Doubtful: T Eugene Monroe (shoulder)

--Questionable: S Kendrick Lewis (knee), G Kelechi Osemele (knee), TE Maxx Williams (knee, ankle)

--Probable: S Terrence Brooks (thumb), WR Steve Smith (knee)


SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at ST. LOUIS RAMS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

--Out: RB Carlos Hyde (foot)

--Questionable: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring)

--Probable: G Alex Boone (shoulder, knee), LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder), LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), DT Tony Jerod-Eddie (not injury related), QB Colin Kaepernick (right hand), T Erik Pears (back), S Eric Reid (chest), T Joe Staley (shoulder)

ST. LOUIS RAMS

--Out: DE Chris Long (knee)

--Questionable: DE William Hayes (thigh), RB Tre Mason (ankle), S T.J. McDonald (shoulder), DE Robert Quinn (knee)

--Probable: DT Nick Fairley (illness), TE Lance Kendricks (thumb), LB James Laurinaitis (elbow)


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at DALLAS COWBOYS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

--Questionable: T Russell Okung (toe, ankle)

--Probable: DE Cliff Avril (ankle), DE Michael Bennett (not injury related), CB Marcus Burley (hand), RB Derrick Coleman (concussion), DE Demarcus Dobbs (shoulder), DT Jordan Hill (quadriceps), C Patrick Lewis (ankle), RB Marshawn Lynch (hamstring), LB Nick Moody (ankle), RB Thomas Rawls (calf)

DALLAS COWBOYS

--Out: RB Joseph Randle (back)

--Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (foot), S Barry Church (ankle)

--Probable: WR Brice Butler (hamstring), CB Morris Claiborne (illness), TE James Hanna (ankle), DE Demarcus Lawrence (back)


TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at ATLANTA FALCONS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

--Out: T Reid Fragel (concussion), DT Tony McDaniel (groin)

--Doubtful: WR Vincent Jackson (knee), DT Clinton McDonald (pectoral), TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder), S Major Wright (hamstring)

--Probable: G Logan Mankins (not injury related), DT Gerald McCoy (shoulder), WR Russell Shepard (hamstring), C Evan Smith (ankle)

ATLANTA FALCONS

--Out: WR Leonard Hankerson (hamstring), S William Moore (groin)

--Questionable: WR Nick Williams (hamstring)

--Probable: DT Jonathan Babineaux (back), LB O'Brien Schofield (knee)


TENNESSEE TITANS at HOUSTON TEXANS

TENNESSEE TITANS

--Out: CB Perrish Cox (hamstring), WR Harry Douglas (ribs), QB Marcus Mariota (knee)

--Questionable: C Andy Gallik (concussion), CB Jason McCourty (hamstring)

--Probable: S Michael Griffin (knee), DT Sammie Lee Hill (knee)

HOUSTON TEXANS

--Out: LB Akeem Dent (hamstring), CB Kareem Jackson (ankle), C Greg Mancz (knee), LB Benardrick McKinney (concussion), WR Cecil Shorts (hamstring)

--Questionable: G Brandon Brooks (toe), CB Charles James (foot), DE J.J. Watt (back)

--Probable: LB Jadeveon Clowney (illness, ankle), S Quintin Demps (hamstring), C Ben Jones (thumb), T Derek Newton (toe), RB Chris Polk (knee), RB Jay Prosch (knee)


GREEN BAY PACKERS at DENVER BRONCOS on Sunday night

GREEN BAY PACKERS

--Questionable: WR Ty Montgomery (ankle), LB Nick Perry (shoulder, hand), DT B.J. Raji (groin), CB Damarious Randall (ankle), RB James Starks (hip)

--Probable: WR Davante Adams (ankle), S Morgan Burnett (calf), LB Nate Palmer (chest)

DENVER BRONCOS

--Out: LB Shane Ray (knee)

--Doubtful: T Ty Sambrailo (shoulder)

--Questionable: WR Jordan Norwood (hamstring)

--Probable: S Omar Bolden (foot), TE Owen Daniels (shoulder), T Ryan Harris (knee), G Evan Mathis (hamstring), LB Von Miller (not injury related), LB Corey Nelson (knee), WR Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder), CB Aqib Talib (ankle), RB Juwan Thompson (hamstring), LB DeMarcus Ware (back)

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Essential Week 8 betting notes for NFL Sunday

Matt Ryan has won six of his seven home starts against the Buccaneers and has a 152.8 rating, six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last two meetings in Atlanta.

Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5, 44.5)

Game played in London, England

* The Lions have played in London once before, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 but failing to covers as 3.5-point faves in Week 8 last season.

* Chiefs QB Alex Smith is 4-0 against the Lions with 717 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception (all with the 49ers). Smith's teams have gone 3-0-1 ATS and 0-3-1 O/U in those games.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-7.5, 48.5)

* Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson, who has 30 catches for 393 yards and four TDs in his last four games against Atlanta, is expected to sit out with a knee injury.

* Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has won six of his seven home starts against the Buccaneers and has a 152.8 rating, six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last two meetings in Atlanta. The Falcons are 3-4 ATS and the Over/Under count is 4-3 in those seven games.


Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns (+5.5, 46)

* The Cardinals hope to exploit Cleveland's league-worst run defense with Chris Johnson, who ranks second in the NFL with 567 yards. Arizona also has a potent passing attack, as it is sixth in the league with an average of 281.3 yards while Carson Palmer entered Week 8 tied with New England's Tom Brady for first with 16 touchdown tosses.

* Cleveland is allowing 151 rushing yards per game and has surrendered at least 24 points in six of its seven contests.


San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (-8, 39.5)

* Beleaguered quarterback Colin Kaepernick (13-for-24, 124 yards) routinely misfired versus the Seahawks and has been sacked 25 times, tied for the second most in the league. St. Louis, which has accumulated the NFL's second-most sacks (23) this season, recorded an astounding eight in its last meeting with its NFC West rival.

* Todd Gurley reached triple digits in rushing yards for the third consecutive game, amassing 433 and two touchdowns in that stretch to earn NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month honors. The 10th overall pick of the 2015 draft has run roughshod when it counts, bolting for an NFL-best 213 yards and amassing a sterling 9.26 yards per carry during the fourth quarter.


New York Giants at New Orleans Saints (-3.5, 49)

* Eli Manning has thrown for a combined 359 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in two starts since his 441-yard eruption in a Week 5 victory over San Francisco, but New York overcame a sluggish offensive performance against Dallas by forcing four turnovers.

* The Over has yet to cash in New Orleans this season. Heading into Sunday's game, the Over/Under count at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is just 0-2-1 O/U.


Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (+1, 42.5)

* The Vikings have lost seven-straight games at Soldier Field and have gone 1-6 ATS in the process.

* The biggest positive to come out of a 37-34 loss at Detroit prior to the bye week was the performance of Jay Cutler and the offense, which posted its highest point total of the season. Cutler threw for 353 yards in the loss and got a big boost from wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who racked up 147 yards and a touchdown after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury.


San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5, 50.5)

* The Chargers are 1-12 ATS in their last 13 vs. AFC, including an 0-4 ATS mark this year and a 1-8 ATS clip in their last nine versus the conference last season.

* Baltimore RB Justin Forsett has rushed for 98 yards in his last two weeks after recording 271 in his previous two.


Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (PK, 48.5)

* The Bengals have not been a strong wager when they travel to Pittsburgh of late, going 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five trips there.

* Steelers WR Antonio Brown has seen his numbers take a dip without Roethlisberger, recording just 17 receptions for 235 yards in four games without the star quarterback.


Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (-4.5, 42.5)

* The Titans, who will rely on quarterback Zach Mettenberger once again, have gone just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight meetings with the Texans.

* Texans DE J.J. Watt missed practice during the week with a minor back issue but is expected to play.


New York Jets at Oakland Raiders (+3, 43.5)

* Ryan Fitzpatrick never has lost to the Raiders, going 3-0 while passing for 723 yards and seven touchdowns with just one interception.

* The Over has gone 8-1 in the Raiders' last nine games vs. AFC, including a 4-1 mark this season. The lone under came against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 this season.


Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys (+4.5, 41.5)

* No quarterback in the league has been sacked more that Seattle's Russell Wilson, who heads into Dallas being taken down 31 times so far.

* The Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a spark in the wake of a four-game losing streak and may get just that in the person of star wide receiver Dez Bryant, who appears poised to return to the lineup for Sunday's matchup.


Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos (+2.5, 45.5)

* After battling a nagging ankle injury, Eddie Lacy dealt with a different issue this week as reporters questioned whether the 234-pound - give or take a few - running back is being hampered by his weight. Lacy was limited to four carries for three yards versus the Chargers, with backup James Starks receiving the bulk of the work in that contest.

* Denver's Peyton Manning has struggled mightily this season, throwing two touchdowns against seven interceptions in the last three games.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Tampa Bay - 1:00 PM ET Atlanta -8 500 *****
Atlanta - Over 48 500

Arizona - 1:00 PM ET Arizona -7 500
Cleveland - Under 45 500

San Francisco - 1:00 PM ET San Francisco +7.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
St. Louis - Over 41 500

N.Y. Giants - 1:00 PM ET New Orleans -3 500
New Orleans - Under 51 500

Minnesota - 1:00 PM ET Chicago +1 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - Under 42.5 500

San Diego - 1:00 PM ET San Diego +4.5 500 AFC UPSET
Baltimore - Over 50 500

Cincinnati - 1:00 PM ET Pittsburgh +0 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Pittsburgh - Over 48.5 500

Tennessee - 1:00 PM ET Houston -3.5 500
Houston - Over 43 500

N.Y. Jets - 4:05 PM ET Oakland +3 500 AFC SHOCKER UPSET
Oakland - Over 43.5 500

Seattle - 4:25 PM ET Dallas +4.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Dallas - Over 42 500