NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 14 (Thursday, December 10 - Monday, December 14)

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, December 12


Gronkowski makes trip to Houston

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski made the team's trip to Houston on Saturday, according to NFL Media, suggesting he may play Sunday against the Texans.

Gronkowski missed last week's game after sustaining a knee injury during Week 12 against the Denver Broncos.

Gronkowski is listed on the Patriots' injury report as questionable. He did return to practice this week, along with injured wide receiver Julian Edelman. However, Edelman will not play.

Scott Chandler has filled in for Gronkowski, who has 57 catches for 931 yards with nine touchdowns in 11 games.

New England has lost two straight games.

The Patriots made a roster move by promoting linebacker Eric Martin from the practice squad and signing running back Trey Williams to the practice squad.


49ers place RB Hyde on IR

The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Carlos Hyde on the injured reserve Saturday, officially ending his season.

The team filled Hyde's roster spot by promoting tight end Brian Leonhardt from the practice squad.

Hyde started the first seven games of the season before sustaining a foot injury. He finished with 115 rushes for 470 yards with three touchdowns.

Leonhardt was signed to the 49ers' practice squad on Nov. 16. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent of the Oakland Raiders in 2013. He had six catches for 35 yards with a touchdown in 2014 with the Raiders. He spent part of this season with the Cleveland Browns.


Ravens LT Monroe out for season

Baltimore Ravens left tackle Eugene Monroe is out for the season with a shoulder injury, according to the team's website.

In other moves the team announced Saturday, the Ravens cut offensive lineman Kaleb Johnson and promoted quarterback Bryn Renner and wide receiver Chris Matthews from the practice squad.

Renner becomes the team's backup quarterback if starter Matt Schaub is unable to play Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. Jimmy Clausen would start in place of Schaub, who is listed as questionable on the injury report.

Matthews has been on the practice squad for the past three weeks. He made four receptions for 109 yards with a touchdown in the Super Bowl for the Seahawks last February.

Baltimore also signed safety Nick Perry to the practice squad.

Monroe played six games and was limited by a variety of injuries throughout the season. He is in the second of a five-year, $37 million deal.


Chiefs LB Houston to miss second straight game

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston will miss Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers due to a knee injury.

Houston suffered a hyperextended left knee against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 29. The club declared him out on Friday's injury report to make it official that he will miss his second straight contest.

Houston has 7.5 sacks this season after posting a career-best 22 last season.

Also listed as out for the Chiefs are safety Husain Abdullah (concussion), defensive end Mike DeVito (concussion, shoulder) and receiver De'Anthony Thomas (concussion). Linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) is probable.

[Udog]

Essential Week 14 betting notes for NFL Sunday

The Falcons haven't covered a spread since Week 4.

Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles (-1, 47)

* "From our perspective, we couldn't be happier with (the trade)," Buffalo coach Rex Ryan said of LeSean McCoy, who makes his return to Philadelphia since being acquired in March for linebacker Kiko Alonso. "I mean, obviously LeSean is a great player, great talent and we love him in the building. He's got that great energy about him and (is a) good teammate."

* A disgruntled DeMarco Murray rushed for just 24 yards last week, but Philadelphia posted a 35-28 victory over New England to move into a three-way tie atop the woeful NFC East. Last season's rushing leader, Murray reportedly talked to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie over his reduced use but his workload likely won't get any better with the expected return of Ryan Mathews (concussion).

San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns (-1.5, 41.5)

* Running back Carlos Hyde is expected to miss his sixth consecutive game with a stress fracture in his foot, which is disappointing news as Cleveland ranks 31st against the run with an average of 136.3 yards allowed. Meanwhile, San Francisco has yielded at least 170 yards on the ground in four of its last six contests.

* Sine getting out of the gate as a decent bet (4-2 ATS), the Brown have failed to cover the spread in six consecutive games. They were favored in just one of those six games (-6 vs. Baltimore) and are currently 1.5-point favorites for Sunday's contest.

Detroit Lions at St. Louis Rams (+3.5, 41)

* Detroit began the season 1-7 before winning three in a row to perk up expectations, but the Week 13 final-second loss to the Packers likely ended any slim hope of a wild-card run. The Lions’ turnaround began shortly after the team made a change at offensive coordinator, elevating Jim Bob Cooter to the position. Since the change quarterback Matthew Stafford has nine touchdown passes and one interception in his last four games.

* St. Louis ranks last in the NFL in passing with an average of 178 yards but is ready to make a change at quarterback, with Case Keenum cleared to return after passing the concussion protocol. “To have the opportunity like this, obviously it’s a tough part of the season, but honestly, I’m not looking at what’s happened,” he told reporters. “I’m not looking ahead, I’m looking at today and how did practice today go.”

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5, 50.5)

* Running back Mark Ingram was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury and questions abound over wideout Brandin Cooks, who is missed Thursday's practice with a concussion. The second-year star has pieced it together as the season has gone on, reeling in 41 receptions for 625 yards and seven touchdowns during the last eight games.

* Doug Martin is the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,133 yards and faces a juicy matchup against the Saints' 32nd-ranked defense. Although he was limited to just 78 yards on 21 carries in the first meeting, Martin has run roughshod over the last three weeks (427 yards, one touchdown).

Tennessee Titans at New York Jet (-7.5, 43)

* Marcus Mariota's rushing total from last week was certainly boosted by an 87-yard scramble for a score but also a conscious effort on the Titans' part to make him more of the dual threat he was at Oregon. The ground game has been a major concern as David Cobb and Antonio Andrews combined for 98 yards while splitting carries last week. The Titans offense is ranked 28th in the league.

* The New York Jets pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind win against their co-tenants of MetLife Stadium last week to stay in the thick of the AFC wild-card race. With no room for error, New York hosts the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in another must-win. Cornerback Darrelle Revis remains uncertain after missing the past two games with a concussion, but he returned to practice on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5, 50)

* If there is a team that steps up their game in crunch time it is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are 8-0 ATS in their last games in the month of December, including beating up on the Indianapolis Colts 45-10, easily covering the 10-point chalk.

* The Bengals just continue to cover spreads, thumping the Cleveland Browns 37-3 as 7.5-point chalk last week. That win improved their record against the spread to 10-1-1 for the season, making them the best bet in football.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5, 46)

* According to coach Chuck Pagano, Hasselbeck "took the lion's share of the snaps in practice" and is listed as probable but he gave way to journeyman Charlie Whitehurst after struggling badly in Sunday's 45-10 loss to the Steelers filled in. The Colts, with Hasselbeck under center, beat the Jaguars 16-13 in overtime in their first meeting of the season.

* The Jaguars dropped their second straight game last week despite a franchise-record five touchdown passes from Blake Bortles. Bortles has thrown at least one scoring pass in every game this season but Jacksonville's defense continues to be its downfall, ranking 30th in the league by allowing 28.4 points a game.

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-11, 44.5)

* San Diego has lost seven of its last eight, though three of those defeats have come by four points or fewer. The biggest issue on offense is an inability to run the ball effectively, as the Chargers rank 30th in the league in rushing and have not topped 100 yards on the ground since Week 2.

* They may not be the best overall bet in football, but there is no team hotter on the field and at the betting window than the Chiefs. After getting off to a dreadful 1-5 SU and ATS start, the Chiefs have rattled off six consecutive victories, covering the spread in each.

Washington at Chicago Bears (-3.5, 43)

* Washington has yet to win on the road this season, going 0-5 straight up away from FedEx Field. They are just 1-4 against the spread in those contests.

* Meanwhile, the Bears are almost as bad at home as Washington is on the road. The Bears have just one win in six tries at home this season, going 2-4 ATS in the process.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (-8, 46)

* The undefeated Panthers keep finding ways to win – after three straight lopsided victories, they rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat New Orleans 41-38 last week on Cam Newton’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 left. With five wins by seven points or fewer, though, they’ve seemed far from invincible.

* The Falcons are as cold a bet as a team can be heading into Week 14. They haven't covered a spread in eight consecutive games, going all the way back to Week 4. To make matters worse, this is the biggest pups the Falcons have been this all season.

Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore Ravens (+11.5, 40.5)

* The Seattle Seahawks have snapped out of their midseason malaise and will go for their fourth consecutive victory when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. After blowing fourth-quarter leads in five of their first nine games, the two-time reigning NFC champions have come alive and outscored the opposition 106-50 during their three-game winning streak.

* Playing at M&T Bank Stadium hasn't done Ravens backers any favors over the past couple of seasons, with the Ravens going 0-7-1 against the spread in their last eight games at home.

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-6.5, 43.5)

* The Raiders' postseason hopes have taken a major hit as the club has dropped four of its last five contests. The latest defeat, a 34-20 setback against Kansas City in Week 13, marked the third time in five games - and fifth overall this season - Oakland has allowed at least 30 points. The Raiders have lost eight consecutive meetings with the Broncos, including a 16-10 defeat at home in Week 5.

* The team from the Mile-High City has an injury list nearly a mile long, beginning with Peyton Manning, who is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a torn plantar fascia. Also ailing are running backs C.J. Anderson (ankle) and Ronnie Hillman (foot), tight end Vernon Davis (concussion), defensive end DeMarcus Ware (back), nose tackle Sylvester Williams (ankle), guard Louis Vasquez (groin), linebacker Danny Trevathan (concussion) and safeties T.J. Ward (ankle), David Bruton Jr. (knee) and Omar Bolden (hamstring).

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers (-6.5, 42.5)

* The Cowboys finally emerged victorious without Tony Romo under center on Monday with a 19-16 triumph over NFC East rival Washington, but Dez Bryant continues to be held in check - the superstar had three catches versus the Redskins and just 21 in six weeks since returning from a foot injury.

* Eddie Lacy's topsy-turvy season continued as he was limited to just five carries after missing curfew last week. Coach Mike McCarthy seemed to note that Lacy's punishment is up after telling reporters that "everything Eddie wants to accomplish is right there in front of him." Fellow running back James Starks is mustering just 2.9 yards per carry in his last six games while undrafted rookie John Crockett ignited the offense with 22 yards on five carries versus the Lions.

New England Patriots at Houston Texans (+3.5, 45)

* Star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a knee injury in an overtime loss at Denver on Nov. 29, practiced on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since he was hurt but his status is unclear for the Texans. Without Gronkowski and slot receiver Julian Edelman unavailable, Brady completed only 51.8 percent of his passes and had his first multiple-interception game of the season, including a 99-yard return for a touchdown in the loss to the Eagles.

* After surrendering a total of 35 points during a perfect 4-0 November, including six on three occasions, Houston was unable to slow Buffalo last week in permitting 187 yards rushing. J.J. Watt has an NFL-best 13.5 sacks for the Texans, who rank third in the league by allowing an average of 218.3 yards passing per game.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, December 14

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Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Giants at Dolphins
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The Dolphins haven't covered in six straight Monday night apperances.

New York Giants at Miami Dolphins (+2, 46.5)

Playing in the NFC East is the only thing keeping the New York Giants afloat in their bid to earn an invite to the postseason party. Despite three consecutive losses, which have come by a combined 10 points, New York remains in a three-way tie for the division lead as it prepares to visit another underachieving team in the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.

The Giants blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in an eventual overtime loss to the New York Jets last week, their fifth defeat when holding a lead late in regulation. "We've got to play better at some critical moments in the game," quarterback Eli Manning said. "We're just not making that crucial play to get us the win." The firing of Joe Philbin and subsequent hiring of Dan Campbell gave the Dolphins a brief jolt, but they are still residing in the basement of the AFC East. Miami halted a two-game skid by holding off a late comeback by Baltimore in a 15-13 victory last week.

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

LINE HISTORY: There has been no love for the Dolphins since opening as 2-point home favorites. They have been bet all the way to 2-point pups. As for the total, it opened at 46.5, was bet down to 45.5 and has been bet up once again to the opening number.

INJURY REPORT:

Giants - QB E. Manning (probable Monday, ankle), S B. Meriweather (questionable Monday, knee), T M. Newhouse (questionable Monday, back), LB D. Kennard (questionable Monday, hamstring), DE R. Ayers (questionable Monday, shoulder), T E. Flowers (doubtful Monday, ankle).

Dolphins - WR K. Stills (questionable Monday, ankle), T J. James (questionable Monday, toe), LB C. McCain (questionable Monday, hip), DT E. Mitchell (questionable Monday, calf), WR R. Matthews (out indefinitely, ribs).

WEATHER REPORT: There is a 33 percent chance of rain at gametime, with a five to seven mile per hour wind blowing across the field from south to north. Temperatures will be in the mid 70's.

POWER RANKINGS: Giants (0.5) - Dolphins (3.5) + home field (-3) = Pick

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Let me make this very clear. Even though the Giants fourth quarter, fourth down attempt with a ten point lead at the Jets four yard line failed, it was 100% the right call by Tom Coughlin. Meanwhile, Miami'?s new look offense with Zac Taylor calling the plays was just as bad as their old offense under Bill Lazor: 11 drives, nine punts, one fumble and a single one-play TD strike."

ABOUT THE GIANTS (5-7, 6-5-1 ATS, 7-5 O/U): New York continues to be hindered by the lack of a running game, which ranks 29th in the league at 88.1 yards per game, putting too much pressure on Manning and a defense that is dead last against the pass with an average 314.5 yards allowed. The one constant for the Giants is second-year wideout Odell Beckham Jr., who has ripped off five straight 100-yard games and had 10 touchdown catches, including one in each of the last three contests. Since throwing for six TD passes at New Orleans on Nov. 1, Manning has seven touchdowns versus six interceptions in four games.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (5-7, 5-7 ATS, 6-6 O/U): Since amassing 82 points in its first two contests under Campbell, Miami has failed to score more than 20 in six straight games and cannot decide whether to emphasize the pass or the run. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor was fired following a Nov. 29 loss to the Jets and his replacement, Zac Taylor, stressed the ground game with Lamar Miller rushing for 113 yards after being limited to 44 or fewer in his previous five contests. Ryan Tannehill attempted only 19 passes last week after unleashing 58 the previous week. Miami's defense is 30th against the run (134.8 yards per game).

TRENDS:

* Giants are 1-5 ATS in their last six Monday games.
* Dolphins are 0-6 ATS in their last six Monday games.
* Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Bettors like the Giants on Monday night, with 67 percent of wagers on New York. Bettors also like the over with 55 percent of wagers on it.

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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, December 14


NFL roundup: Bengals lose Dalton as Steelers win

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals lost quarterback Andy Dalton in the second quarter to a thumb injury, and Ben Roethlisberger passed for 282 yards and DeAngelo Williams rushed for two touchdowns to lift the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 33-20 victory over the Bengals on Sunday.

Dalton suffered a fractured thumb and will miss at least one game and possibly two. He is scheduled to see a hand specialist on Monday.

It was a disastrous day for the Bengals, whose hopes of securing the top overall seed in the AFC took hit with Dalton and tight end Tyler Eifert leaving the game with injuries.

AJ McCarron replaced Dalton and finished 22 of 32 for 280 yards and two TDs to go along with a pair of interceptions as the Bengals (10-3) failed to clinch the AFC North title.

Patriots 27, Texans 6

HOUSTON -- After Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected on a pair of timely conversions in the first half, New England unleashed its ferocious defense in the second half to pummel Houston.

Gronkowski set up a touchdown in the first quarter and caught another late in the second to provide the Patriots with what proved to be an insurmountable 11-point lead at the intermission.

The cushion was comfortable thanks to the New England defense, which harassed Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer relentlessly while snapping a brief two-game skid. The Patriots (11-2) recorded six sacks while regaining possession of the top spot in the AFC standings.

Panthers 38, Falcons 0

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes, including two in the first half to wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., as unbeaten Carolina shut out Atlanta.

The Panthers (13-0) continued their franchise-best start to the season and clinched an opening-weekend bye in the NFC when the playoffs begin next month. They moved closer to securing home-field assignments throughout the playoffs.

The Falcons (6-7) lost their sixth game in a row, further damaging remote chances to reach the playoffs.

Seahawks 35, Ravens 6

BALTIMORE -- Russell Wilson threw five touchdown passes to lead Seattle over struggling Baltimore.

The Seahawks (8-5) have won six of their past seven games and look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender once again. It was the first game this season not decided by eight points or fewer for the Ravens (4-9).

Wilson completed 23 of 32 passes for 292 yards. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin had three touchdown receptions, and he now has eight in the past three games.

Eagles 23, Bills 20

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia ruined LeSean McCoy's homecoming and kept pace in the NFC East race with a victory over Buffalo.

The Eagles (6-7) stay tied for first place on NFC East with the Washington Redskins. Both are now a half-game ahead of the New York Giants, who play the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.

McCoy, the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, was traded to the Bills (6-7) in the offseason and he did not leave on good terms with coach Chip Kelly. McCoy, who said this past week that he would not shake hands with Kelly, ended up with 74 yards on 20 carries.

Redskins 24, Bears 21

CHICAGO -- Kirk Cousins passed for 300 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another touchdown as Washington held on to beat Chicago.

Redskins tight end Jordan Reed hauled in nine passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Washington (6-7) snapped a nine-game road losing streak and earned its first win away from home since Oct. 27, 2014.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler completed 19 of 31 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught six passes for 107 yards and a touchdown for Chicago (5-8), which dropped to 1-6 at home.

Jaguars 51, Colts 16

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville used three lengthy scoring plays of 49 yards or more in a little more than four minutes and Blake Bortles threw three second-half touchdowns in a rout of Indianapolis.

The scoring surge started late in the first half when Jaguars defensive end Andre Branch knocked the ball out of Indianapolis quarterback Matt Hasselback's hands before scooping it up and going 49 yards for a touchdown.

Bortles led the Jaguars on three consecutive long scoring drives. The first was an 80-yard march in eight plays and finished with a 4-yard pass to Allen Robinson. It was Bortles' 10th touchdown pass in the last three weeks, the most by a Jaguars quarterback ever during a three-game stretch.

Browns 24, 49ers 10

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland snapped a seven-game losing streak and running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for two touchdowns to beat San Francisco in Johnny Manziel's return as the starting quarterback.

Manziel, who was banished to the bench two weeks ago for lying to the team about partying, threw for 270 yards on 21-of-31 passing for one touchdown and one interception.

The victory assured the Browns (3-10) will not tie the 1999 expansion team (2-14) for the worst record in franchise history. It also snapped a five-game losing streak at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Chiefs 10, Chargers 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City extended its winning streak to seven games with a victory over San Diego.

The victory moved the Chiefs to 8-5 overall and they continue to lead the run for an AFC wild-card slot.

Rain began falling Sunday morning and it did not stop from opening kickoff to the game's final play. While field conditions appeared solid, it was impossible for either team to keep the football dry and the chains moving.

Saints 24, Buccaneers 17

TAMPA, Fla., -- Drew Brees threw for two touchdowns and converted third downs all day, leading New Orleans over Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers (6-7) saw their wild-card hopes take a hit as they weren't able to score at length on the NFL's worst defense. Tampa Bay had a chance to tie the game late, but punted rather than face a fourth-and-10 with 4:21 left.

The Saints (5-8) converted 12 third downs, including two key conversions on their final drive to eat up clock with the lead. Brees threw for 312 yards and Tim Hightower, filling in for the injured Mark Ingram, rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Jets 30, Titans 8

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three first-half touchdown passes and New York remained in the thick of the AFC wild-card race by cruising to a win over Tennessee.

Fitzpatrick finished 21-of-36 for 263 yards and no interceptions as the Jets (8-5) extended their winning streak to three games -- their first three-game streak since Nov. 27-Dec. 11, 2011.

Fitzpatrick threw touchdown passes to wide receiver Brandon Marshall (six catches for 125 yards), wide receiver Eric Decker (seven catches for 74 yards) and running back Bilal Powell (five catches for 46 yards).

Rams 21, Lions 14

ST. LOUIS -- Todd Gurley's 49-yard run in the third quarter led to his go-ahead touchdown two plays later and St. Louis snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over Detroit.

Gurley's 5-yard score at the 3:57 mark of the period capped an 80-yard drive, nearly equaling the Rams' total yardage to that point. Prior to that possession, they managed only 111 yards and seven first downs in their first game under interim offensive coordinator Rob Boras, who replaced the fired Frank Cignetti on Monday.

Rams quarterback Case Keenum, who returned to the lineup after missing two games with a concussion, completed 14 of 22 passes for 124 yards with an interception.

Raiders 15, Broncos 12

DENVER -- Derek Carr threw for two touchdowns in the second half and the Raiders' defense, led by Khalil Mack's five sacks, did not allow an offensive touchdown as Oakland shook off a sluggish start to beat the Denver.

Carr completed 12 of 29 for 135 yards in helping Oakland (6-7) snap an eight-game losing streak to Denver (10-3).

Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler lost for the first time in four starts in place of the injured Peyton Manning, who watched the game from the sideline. Osweiler finished 35 of 51 for 308 yards.

Packers 28, Cowboys 7

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay got touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers on back-to-back possessions in the first half and 239 total yards from running back Eddie Lacy and James Starks in a victory over Dallas.

Lacy finished 124 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and Starks scored on a 13-yard catch and a 30-yard run. Green Bay (9-4) finished with 230 rushing yards. Rodgers completed 22 of 35 passes for 218 yards and the two scores.

Darren McFadden paced the Cowboys (4-9) with 111 yards on nine carries. Matt Cassel finished 13-for-29 for 114 yards and no touchdowns with one interception.