The Bum's 2016 NFL Regular Season Best Bets, Opinions, Trends, News !

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

JETS VS CARDINALS

Opening Line Cardinals -7 1/2 Total 47
Current Line Cardinals -7 Total 45
Money Line Cardinals -330 Jets +270

HISTORY

All games in this series since 1992
NY JETS is 3-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA since 1992
NY JETS is 5-0 straight up against ARIZONA since 1992
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1992

All games played at ARIZONA since 1992
NY JETS is 2-0 against the spread versus ARIZONA since 1992
NY JETS is 2-0 straight up against ARIZONA since 1992
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1992


INJURY REPORT

Important Injuries
NY Jets
Date Pos Player Injury Status Statistics
10/14 9:42am LB David Harris Hamstring doubtful Monday vs. Arizona
10/13 6:05am TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins Ankle "?" Monday vs. Arizona
10/12 8:55am WR Eric Decker Shoulder IR
10/12 4:29am G Brian Winters Concussion probable Monday vs. Arizona
10/09 12:35pm DE Sheldon Richardson Knee injured last game, "?" Monday vs. Arizona
10/09 12:16pm CB Darryl Roberts Shoulder injured last game, "?" Monday vs. Arizona
10/09 12:15pm C Nick Mangold Knee injured last game, "?" Monday vs. Arizona
10/09 10:33am WR Jalin Marshall Shoulder "?" Monday vs. Arizona :
10/09 10:33am CB Darrelle Revis Hamstring "?" Monday vs. Arizona
10/09 10:32am TE Braedon Bowman Knee "?" Monday vs. Arizona
09/29 7:57am DE Lawrence Thomas Shoulder IR
08/28 2:17pm WR Devin Smith ACL

Arizona
Date Pos Player Injury Status Statistics
10/12 4:33am LB Kevin Minter Concussion probable Monday vs. NY Jets
10/11 1:23pm QB Carson Palmer Concussion is upgraded to probable Monday
10/11 4:19am G Mike Iupati Ankle expected to miss 2-4 weeks
10/09 3:38am DT Ed Stinson Toe "?" Monday vs. NY Jets
10/09 3:38am DT Josh Mauro Chest "?" Monday vs. NY Jets
10/09 3:38am TE Darren Fells Shoulder "?" Monday vs. NY Jets
10/09 3:36am G Evan Mathis Ankle IR
10/05 4:34am RB Chris Johnson Groin IR
09/02 6:23am CB Mike Jenkins Knee IR
08/31 10:05am CB Elie Bouka Leg IR


TRENDS

Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points since 1992.
ARIZONA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games against AFC East division opponents since 1992.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Monday, October 17

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Monday Night Football betting preview: Jets at Cardinals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carson Palmer set career highs in all major categories and was in the conversation for league MVP in 2015.

New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals (-7.5, 46)

Carson Palmer is poised to return to the lineup when the Arizona Cardinals host the skidding New York Jets on Monday Night Football. After sitting out last week, Palmer has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol in time to face the Jets, who are mired in a three-game skid in which all the losses have come by double digits.

Drew Stanton stepped in for Palmer at San Francisco on Oct. 6 and guided Arizona to a 33-21 victory that halted a two-game losing streak. The Cardinals (2-3) have already lost as many games as last season, when they won posted 13 victories and won the NFC West title before losing to Carolina in the conference title game. Jets coach Todd Bowles, who went 10-6 in his first campaign with New York, knows what he's up against in Arizona, serving under Bruce Arians as the team's defensive coordinator in 2013-14. “With a guy who taught me almost half my football life, you try not to let him down, and in order not to let him down, I have to win the game,” Bowles said jokingly of facing Arians.

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

LINE HISTORY: The Cardinals opened as 7.5-point home favorites and the line hasn't moved all week. The total hit the betting board at 46, was bumped up slightly to 46.5, and returned to the opening number on Saturday afternoon. View complete line history here.

INJURIES:

Jets - WR J. Marshall (Prob Mon, shoulder), RB M. Forte (Prob Mon, knee), WR B. Marshall (Prob Mon, knee), G B. Winters (Prob Mon, concussion), TE A. Seferian-Jenkins (Ques Mon, ankle), CB D. Roberts (Ques Mon, shoulder), CB D. Revis (Ques Mon, hamstring), TE B. Bowman (Ques Mon, knee), C N. Mangold (Ques Mon, knee), DE S. Richardson (Ques Mon, knee), LB D. Harris (Doub Mon, hamstring), QB B. Petty (Out Indefinitely, shoulder), WR E. Decker (I-R, shoulder), DE L. Thomas (I-R, shoulder), T B. Giacomini (Elig Week 7, back), RB R. Morris (I-R, shoulder), WR D. Smith (Elig Week 7, knee), DE J. Obioha (I-R, undisclosed).

Cardinals - LB K. Minter (Pron Mon, concussion), QB C. Palmer (Prob Mon, concussion), DT R. Nkemdiche (Ques Mon, ankle), TE D. Fells (Ques Mon, shoulder), DT E. Stinson (Ques Mon, toe), DT J. Mauro (Ques Mon, chest), G M. Iupati (Early Nov, ankle), G E. Mathis (I-R, ankle), S T. Branch (Elig Week 12, groin), RB C. Johnson (Elig Week 12, hernia), LB A. Fua (I-R, knee), TE T. Niklas (I-R, wrist), S D. Eskridge (I-R, arm), CB M. Jenkins (I-R, knee), CB E. Bouka).

ABOUT THE JETS (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS, 3-2 O/U): New York has scored 33 points during the three-game losing streak and was blanked in the second half of last week's 31-13 loss at Pittsburgh, although quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick did not throw an interception after he was picked off nine times in the previous two games. Losing wide receiver Eric Decker, who had 12 touchdown receptions in 2015, to season-ending shoulder surgery is another blow to the passing attack. The Jets have not been helped by a suspect running game as Matt Forte rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns in their lone win at Buffalo in Week 2, but has been held to 80 yards in the past two weeks. New York ranks No. 2 against the run (68.4 yards per game) but is getting gouged through the air (303.0 yards).

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS, 2-3 O/U): Arians wants to see improvement from Palmer, who set career highs in all major categories and was in the conversation for league MVP for much of last season but is off to a slow start with six touchdowns and five interceptions through his four starts. “Just keep throwing it,” Arians said. “See if they can keep catching it and throw it a little farther on the deep balls.” The Cardinals do have the luxury of a standout running back in David Johnson, who rumbled for 157 yards and two touchdowns at San Francisco and set a franchise record by going over 100 yards from scrimmage in each of the first five games. Arizona managed only 36 sacks last season, but is already halfway to that mark, led by linebacker Markus Golden with six.

TRENDS:

* Jets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Cardinals are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Over is 7-1 in Jets last 8 games following a straight up loss.
* Under is 7-0 in Cardinals last 7 home games.

CONSENSUS: 52 percent of picks are on the Jets to cover on the road while 53 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL opening line report: Patriots at Steelers headlines Week 7, but there's a catch

Ben Roethlisberger was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and ruled out for Week 7 against the Patriots.

Week 7 of the NFL season includes a great AFC clash that looked like it would feature two of the best quarterbacks of this era. But that won’t happen now. We talk about a few key opening lines with Peter Childs, risk management supervisor for offshore site Sportsbook.ag.

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (no line)

Pittsburgh has looked Super Bowl-contender great in its four wins, but equally as awful in its two losses – a blowout at Philadelphia in Week 3, and Sunday’s setback at Miami. The Steelers (4-2 SU and ATS) had only eight points until late in the fourth quarter and lost to the Dolphins 30-15 laying 7.5 points.

But the bigger news came postgame. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his knee in the second quarter, but returned in the third quarter, though he didn’t play well. Afterward, he was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and ruled out for this week’s game. He will have surgery this week, which will determine how much longer he’s out.

Meanwhile, Tom Brady’s return to action has been everything New England expected, and perhaps more. After throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns in a rout at Cleveland, Brady was back at it Sunday, with 376 yards and three TD passes in a 35-17 dusting of Cincinnati as a 7.5-point home favorite. The Patriots are now 5-1 SU and ATS.

“Big Ben was initially listed as questionable, but is now out indefinitely,” Childs said. “The Steelers will be forced to start perennial journeyman Landry Jones, and I’m not sure we can open this line high enough. I really haven’t given the game much thought because of the Steelers’ quarterback situation, but the line will be well over a touchdown.”

New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams (+3)

Sunday morning will come a few hours earlier for NFL fans – 9:30 a.m. on the East Coast, and a wicked 6:30 a.m. here in Vegas. That’s when the Giants and Rams will square off for their game in London.

New York (3-3 SU, 2-3-1 ATS) got back to .500 on Sunday, thanks to the sometimes flighty Odell Beckham. The flashy wideout had eight catches for a whopping 222 yards and two TDs, including a 66-yard score that gave the Giants a 27-23 win over Baltimore as a 3.5-point home favorite.

Los Angeles (3-3 SU and ATS) has followed its three-game SU and ATS upswing by going 0-2 SU and ATS the past two weekends. On Sunday at Detroit, the Rams lost 31-28 as a 2.5-point pup.

“The Rams are going to be on the road for 10 days, having played in Detroit on Sunday, now going to travel straight to London,” Childs said. “While I believe that will help them get acclimated to the time and weather in London, that’s a long time to be away from home and family.

“This is truly a neutral-field game, and we have the Giants the higher power-rated team, so we opened them a solid 3-point favorite.”

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5)

Through six weeks, there’s only one unbeaten team left in the NFL, and it’s Minnesota. The Vikings are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS and are coming off their bye week, following a 31-13 victory over Houston as a 6-point chalk on Oct. 9.

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and Philadelphia have cooled off from their 3-0 SU and ATS start, losing SU and ATS each of the past two weeks. The Eagles were a 3-point favorite Sunday at Washington, but lost outright 27-20.

“Man, how the mighty have fallen,” Childs said. “The Eagles were the people’s champ two weeks ago, but now after back-to-back losses, I have a feeling bettors are going to be very shy about backing this team. The Vikings are coming off a bye, playing some great, great football.

“I had this game in the pick-’em range before the Eagles took the field against the Redskins, but after that below-average performance, we decided to open Vikings -2.5, and all the early money is on them. It didn’t take us long to get to Vikings -3, our current number.”

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-1.5)

NFC West rivals and playoff teams from last year collide in the Week 7 Sunday night game. Seattle (4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) edged Atlanta 26-24 Sunday as a 7-point fave for its third consecutive SU win. Arizona (2-3 SU and ATS) still has some Week 6 work to do, hosting the New York Jets in the Monday nighter.

“A huge game and pretty much a must-win for the Cardinals if they want any chance to win their division,” Childs said. “The Cardinals play on Monday night, but we opened them a small 1.5-point home favorite, and a lot will depend how they look in their game against the Jets. The Seahawks are playing some really good football and are coming off a nice win over one of the hotter teams in the NFL.

“I have a feeling the public is going to back the Seahawks, but we’ll see.”

[StarDust Bum]

WLT PCT UNITS

10/16/2016 10-9-0 52.63% +50

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 59-76-4 43.70% -12300

O/U Picks 54-82-4 39.71% -18100

Triple Plays:..... 5 - 9 - 1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYJ at ARI 08:30 PM

ARI -7.5 *****

U 45.0 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Listless Jets lose 28-3 to Cardinals
October 17, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The New York Jets turned coach Todd Bowles' return to the desert into a night to forget.

Listless and overmatched, the Jets lost 28-3 to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday for their fourth straight defeat in a season that has quickly spiraled away from them.

New York's offense appeared at times to be going through the motions, plagued by penalties and an inability to convert third downs.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick had a lackluster game, missing badly on several throws and tossing an interception in the end zone to end New York's lone sustained drive.

The Jets' run defense, one of their few strengths, was gouged for huge holes, allowing David Johnson to run for three touchdowns.

New York (1-5) dropped to the bottom of the AFC East and is ahead of only winless Cleveland for worst record in the AFC.

This was not what Bowles had in mind in his first game back in Arizona, where spent two seasons as defensive coordinator under Arizona coach Bruce Arians.

The Cardinals (3-3) dominated from the start, scoring on Johnson's 58-yard touchdown in the opening quarter. He added a pair of 2-yard scoring runs and finished with 111 yards on 22 carries against a run defense that had allowed 68 yards per game, second-best in the NFL through the first five games.

New York's offense sputtered most of the night, settling for a field goal on its one decent drive in the first half. The beleaguered Fitzpatrick threw his NFL-worst 11th interception in the third quarter, ending any hope of a comeback.

Fitzpatrick finished with 174 yards on 16-of-31 passing with a passer rating of 55.0 before being replaced by Geno Smith in the fourth quarter. Smith was intercepted by Tyrann Mathieu on his sixth pass attempt.

Leading receiver Brandon Marshall had three receptions for 70 yards, unable to break free from Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson most of the night. Matt Forte was mostly an afterthought, finishing with 19 yards on nine carries.

New York had 230 total yards, failed on its first eight third-down attempts - 2 for 13 overall - and had 10 penalties for 83 yards.

[StarDust Bum]

WLT PCT UNITS

0/17/2016 2-0-0 100.00% +1000

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 60-76-4 44.12% -11800

O/U Picks 55-82-4 40.15% -17600

Triple Plays:..... 7 - 9 - 1

[StarDust Bum]

Opening Line Report - Week 7
October 17, 2016

Patriots at Steelers and Seahawks at Cardinals are two clear highlights of the NFL Week 7 card. Here’s a look at the complete slate, with opening betting lines from Las Vegas and some thoughts from Westgate SuperBook oddsmaker Ed Salmons.

The numbers listed are the Vegas consensus as of about 10:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. Differences between books and early line moves are noted.

Thursday, Oct. 20

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-9)

The opening line on this NFC North clash ranged from Green Bay -8.5 at the Westgate to -10 at CG Technology. While the Bears, at 1-5 straight up, are who we thought they were, the 3-2 Packers may not be. On Sunday, Green Bay didn’t score a touchdown in a 30-16 home loss to Dallas until late in the fourth quarter when the game was pretty much out of reach.

“It’s coming on two years now that everyone’s waiting for Green Bay’s offense to be what it used to be,” Salmons said. “But it’s looking like the receivers aren’t what they used to be, (Aaron) Rodgers isn’t what he used to be. Each game you watch against better competition, you see that over and over again.”

Sunday, Oct. 23

New York Giants (-3) vs. Los Angeles Rams, at London

We’re treated to breakfast-time football for the second time this season, as these 3-3 teams meet in Twickenham Stadium, the first time an NFL London game will be held somewhere other than Wembley.

Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

The Westgate was dealing Philly as the 1-point favorite on its look-ahead lines issued last Tuesday, but after the Eagles’ second straight loss, 27-20 at Washington, the book opened Minnesota as 2.5-point road chalk for next week.

Salmons saw a few troubling signs for the Eagles on Sunday: their defense and offensive line.

Since Philly’s 3-0 start and bye week, its defense “has really looked bad….It’s regressed big time,” said Salmons.

Salmons also pointed out that right tackle Lane Johnson being replaced by rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai as his 10-game suspension started Sunday resulted in a rough day for Eagles QB Carson Wentz. Wentz was harassed from the jump, sacked five times and finished just 11-for-22 for 179 yards.

New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5)

Multiple Vegas books opened Kansas City -7 on Sunday before a quick adjustment in New Orleans’ direction. Most shops moved to -6.5, while the Wynn went -7 (even).

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions (-1.5)

The Westgate and Wynn both opened Detroit -2 and moved to -1.5 in Sunday night wagering.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-10)

The Westgate bounced between 9.5 and 10 for this intra-state rivalry game, while Cincy opened -10.5 at the Wynn, where the number also dipped to as low as 9.5. The Bengals fell to 2-4 SU and ATS with a 35-17 loss at New England, but they take a big step down in class next week. Their two wins and covers have come against the Jets and Dolphins, so a home game against the Browns figures to be a good opportunity to get healthy.

Buffalo Bills (-3) at Miami Dolphins

Had a line on this game been posted two or three weeks ago, we’d be looking at Miami as the short favorite. Instead, Buffalo – winners of four straight – opened -2.5 at the Westgate and was bet to -3 (even).

How good are the Bills?

“A borderline playoff team, wild-card at best, lose in first-round,” Salmons forecasts.

As for the Dolphins – who, as 7.5-point home dogs, beat Pittsburgh outright on Sunday, 30-15 – Salmons said, “Miami is such a strange team. They’ll play a game like they did today, but whenever you start to say ‘this team’s not bad,’ they throw in those hideous games – you never know when they come.”

Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2)

This AFC contest opened pick ‘em at the Westgate, but Jacksonville was bet to a 2-point favorite within an hour. The Jags were available at -1 at other Vegas shops.

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (-2.5)

If this line holds, it will mark the first time the Colts are underdogs against the Titans since 2012. Indy has beaten Tennessee in 14 of their last 15 meetings and is 8-1 ATS in the last nine games in the series. Laying points against those trends takes some gumption.

Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets (pick ‘em)

The Ravens travel to MetLife Stadium for the second straight week, after losing to the Giants on Sunday. Next week’s game ranged from either team being a 1-point favorite when early lines were posted Sunday night.

San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (-6)

Atlanta faced as stiff a back-to-back as you’ll see in the NFL, with road games at Denver and Seattle in consecutive weeks. They came up just short in Sunday’s 26-24 loss to the Seahawks but rewarded their bettors as 6.5-point dogs.

“They showed a lot today,” Salmons said of the Falcons. “It’s a shame because they really deserved to win. The referees really screwed them at the end” by not calling a pass interference penalty on a pass attempt from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones.

The Westgate opened Atlanta -5.5 vs. San Diego and moved to -6, while the Wynn opened -6 and went to -6.5.

Tampa Bay Bucs (-2) at San Francisco 49ers

Tampa opened -1 at the Westgate, with an early move to -1.5, and were hung as high as -2.5 at William Hill and the Wynn.

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (OFF)

CG Technology made the Pats -2.5 for this huge AFC tilt but took the game of its board when reports broke that Ben Roethlisberger will have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Should Big Ben not be able to go and be replaced by Landry Jones, Salmons believes New England will be bigger than a touchdown favorite.

The Westgate had been dealing this game a pick ‘em on its games of the year lines, and in week-ahead wagering, sharp bettors took Pitt at that price and bet them up to -1.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-1)

Seattle is 4-1 SU but hasn’t been particularly impressive, getting the money in just two of those five games. The Seahawks, though, are notoriously slow starters, beginning last season 2-4 SU and 3-3 SU the year before that. Salmons says next Sunday night’s visit to Arizona will tell us a lot about Seattle, as it faces its first true road test of the season.

Monday, Oct. 24

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-6.5)

The Broncos, losers of two straight, look to get on track coming off a bye to face their former quarterback Brock Osweiler. When the Texans have hit the road to face quality competition this season, it hasn’t gone well, as they were shutout in New England and boat-raced in Minnesota.

[StarDust Bum]

Redskins winning with balanced offense
October 17, 2016

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Washington Redskins say their turnaround from 0-2 to 4-2 is a matter of resilience.

Coach Jay Gruden and cornerback Bashaud Breeland cited a strong response to ''adversity,'' and quarterback Kirk Cousins said no one hit the panic button. But this four-game winning streak isn't just about next man up, taking it one play at a time, never quitting, always believing or any other sports clich�.

No, Washington has climbed back up the NFC East standings on a foundation of a balanced offense, clutch defense and improved play from Cousins over the past four weeks. The Redskins go into Week 5 at the Detroit Lions feeling good about themselves - but not too good, knowing how quickly things can change.

''We know we're on fire, but in order to stay on fire in this league you have to take it one day at a time,'' wide receiver DeSean Jackson said. ''You can't peak. We have the Lions ahead of us and that's a big game for us. Every game is big.''

After opening with home losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins have come up big in victories against the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles .

It's no coincidence that three of those four wins came with a heavy emphasis on the running game. The Redskins had 89 passing attempts to 39 rushes in the first two weeks of the season, and since then Cousins has thrown the ball 138 times and handed it off 109 times.

The three-headed running attack of feature back Matt Jones, rookie Robert Kelley and third-down back Chris Thompson has allowed Cousins to get a breather and given him more time to execute the offense.

''It benefits everybody when we have good balance,'' Gruden said Monday. ''We love that recipe, man. It's been good to us when we can run the ball as much as we throw it.''

Throwing it has been better, too. After one touchdown and three interceptions in the first two games, Cousins has eight touchdowns and three interceptions during the streak.

His QB rating was over 100 against the Giants and Browns, and while the picks have been a problem he has been good enough to make up for his mistakes.

On the other side of the ball, the defense has withstood a season-ending injury to safety DeAngelo Hall, potentially season-ending ones to safety David Bruton and nose tackle Kedric Golston and injuries to Breeland and cornerback Dashaun Phillips.

After getting torched for 38 points and 437 yards by Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, and giving up 27 points to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, the Redskins' defense hasn't allowed a second-half touchdown in four consecutive games.

''They're doing it a lot of different ways,'' Gruden said. ''They've mixed up their coverages and stunts and stopped the run game better in the second half. We give up some big plays, but they bend but don't break and hold to field goals, which is excellent.''

Defensive end Chris Baker said it has been a case of playing better fundamental football, which includes solving the tackling problem that had cropped up. A big difference is the defense is better rested because it has improved on third down of late.

The Ravens and Eagles converted on just seven of 27 third downs over the past two weeks. And the Redskins' defense hasn't allowed a touchdown since four minutes into the Baltimore game, a streak of almost eight full quarters.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was criticized for early season struggles, and now he and the position coaches are getting some credit for the improvements and adjustments

''Those guys are doing an excellent job coaching those guys up, but the players are making plays and that's what it's about,'' Gruden said. ''They're getting off blocks and they're making the tackles when they have to make the tackles. ... They're pursuing to the football, they're playing hard, they're playing with confidence (and) they're making plays.''

Notes: Gruden said receiver Josh Doctson will be shut down for a few weeks to rest a lingering left Achilles tendon injury. Injured reserve remains a possibility for the first-round pick. ... Linebacker Su'a Cravens will increase his workload this week as he tries to come back from a concussion that caused him to miss the Eagles game, Gruden said. It's unclear if Cravens will be ready to face the Lions.

[StarDust Bum]

49ers' Kaepernick remains starting QB
October 17, 2016

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Colin Kaepernick showed flashes of the quarterback he used to be in his first start in nearly a year.

He used his athleticism to turn a possible safety into a 10-yard run , connected on a deep touchdown pass to Torrey Smith and scrambled when he had no open receivers for a 29-yard gain .

But far too often in Sunday's 45-16 loss at Buffalo, Kaepernick looked more like the quarterback who lost his starting job a year ago to Blaine Gabbert than the one who went to a Super Bowl and NFC title game in his first two years as starter.

Kaepernick completed just 13 of 29 passes for 187 yards and missed a handful of open receivers with off-target throws as the 49ers (1-5) scored a season-low 16 points on the way to their first five-game losing streak in six years.

Despite all that, coach Chip Kelly said he saw enough bright spots to give Kaepernick another shot on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

''I think there are some things he did on Sunday that you can build upon,'' Kelly said Monday. ''For his first extended playing time since last year, I thought there were some real positives there that we need to continue to kind of try to build with him and get him going.''

After a promising start that included scores on three of his first four drives, including the 53-yard touchdown pass to Smith, Kaepernick generated very little against a Buffalo defense content to let him try to win from the pocket.

Kaepernick got worse as the day went on, completing just 5 of 18 passes for 52 yards in the second half and taking all three sacks as a close game got out of hand in the fourth quarter.

''We didn't finish our drives,'' Kaepernick said after the game. ''A lot of those drives were finished with field goals. If we finished those with touchdowns, the outlook of the game is different and it plays out differently. So that is something that we need to be able to do is get sevens instead of threes.''

Kelly blamed a couple of dropped passes, a false start on third-and-short and the failure to convert a fourth-and-1 when the game was still close for those second-half struggles.

Kelly also praised Kaepernick's ability to extend plays with his legs as most of his 66 yards rushing came on scrambles rather than designed runs. Kaepernick also did not commit any turnovers.

''There's room there where I think he can grow and I'm sure as he watches the tape with us tomorrow and we get a chance to sit down and visit with him and go through everything, he'll see some things and get a chance to get a little bit better and that's the thing that we're encouraged by because he did a lot of really good things,'' Kelly said. ''I think we just need to try to build upon that as we move forward.''

Kaepernick will get that shot Sunday in his first home game as starter since losing the job last year. It figures to be a friendlier environment than last year when he was booed late in his tenure and in Buffalo , where his public protest over the national anthem made him a target of many fans throughout the game.

The Niners offense was actually slightly more productive in the first game with Kaepernick than in the previous five games with Gabbert, averaging 5.0 yards per play - up from a league-low 4.5 yards per play the first five games. Gabbert ranked last in the NFL in yards per attempt (5.9) and had the second-worst passer rating (69.6) in the league when he lost his job.

But it looked nothing like the offense Kaepernick led in 2012 and `13, when he helped make the Niners one of the top teams in the NFL.

[StarDust Bum]

Panthers hope to regroup during bye
October 17, 2016

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hoping a bye week and some in-depth self-scouting will help the defending NFC champions salvage what is quickly becoming a lost season.

Carolina (1-5) is marred in a four-game losing streak following a 41-38 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, a game in which his young secondary was shredded for the second time in the last three weeks.

''Oh, yeah. It really is a big challenge,'' Rivera said Monday. ''... The easiest thing to do is quit, but shoot, we've got 10 games to play. Atlanta lost (Sunday). So heck, we're not in a bad spot. What we've got to do is take care of our business and doing the things we're capable of. That starts now.''

Big challenge might be an understatement.

The Panthers are three games behind the Falcons (4-2) in the NFC South - and 0-3 in division play. They've matched the worst record through six games for teams coming off a Super Bowl appearance, joining the 1987 New York Giants, 1999 Atlanta Falcons, 2002 St. Louis Rams and 2004 Panthers, who also started 1-5.

Rivera encouraged players to ''get away'' from football following their practice on Tuesday.

The Panthers are obviously frustrated as evidenced by Cam Newton's brief postgame interview Sunday - which he ended after about one minute.

During their time off, the coaching staff plans to do extra self-scouting to figure out how a team that went 17-2 last season and reached the Super Bowl has fallen off course.

''Hopefully we get some answers,'' Rivera said.

The biggest focus will be the team's pass defense, which is allowing 282 yards per game and has surrendered 13 touchdowns through the air since jettisoning All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman.

The Panthers have failed to generate much of a pass rush with their starting defensive ends Charles Johnson and Kony Ealy combining for one-half sack this season. That, combined with a young secondary that has been riddled by injuries and lacks game experience, has led to some poor results.

Atlanta's Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards and Drew Brees put up 465 against the Panthers, the two biggest totals by an opposing quarterback in the franchise's 22-year history. Both threw for four touchdowns.

''Well, that's probably the biggest disappointment is we haven't had the production we would have liked out of the front,'' Rivera said. ''The front has done a nice job. We've done a good job stopping the run. But (the run defense) is not what's killing us.''

Rivera said the Panthers will look at ways of being more creative on defense to get additional pressure on opposing QBs.

The problem with blitzing more is it leaves Carolina's young cornerbacks - the Panthers have three rookies on the roster - exposed more in coverage. Carolina has already given up eight passes of more than 40 yards, second most in the NFL.

Rivera said the Panthers are seeing more double teams on defensive tackle Kawann Short, more play-action on first and second down and more chipping on their defensive ends on third down.

''There are some things we've got to be able to do to counter that stuff,'' Rivera said.

The Panthers were counting on third-year defensive end Ealy to have a big season after he came on strong at the end of last season and had three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in the Super Bowl. But Ealy has been completely shut down this season, and Rivera acknowledged the team hoped he would be further along in his progression as a player.

''Right now, for a six-game stretch you'd like to see a little more production,'' Rivera said. ''It's not like he's not trying. It's tough because of the way people approach us now and look at us.''

Defensive end Wes Horton said Monday the biggest difference from last year's defense that finished in the top 10 in the league overall and first in takeaways is the lack of communication and consistency.

''There are flashes where we're doing well and other times when guys just aren't in the right place,'' Horton said.

If nothing else, the bye should also help the Panthers get healthier.

They played Sunday without three starters: cornerbacks James Bradberry (toe) and Robert McClain (hamstring) and left tackle Michael Oher (concussion). Defensive tackles Vernon Butler (ankle) and Paul Soliai (foot) also sat out with injuries.

[StarDust Bum]

Bears' frustration builds with near misses
October 17, 2016

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) The more the Chicago Bears think they've found answers to their struggles, the more their losses and frustration build.

After starting 1-5 for the first time since 2004, the Bears are heading to Green Bay for a Thursday night game with their biggest disappointment still fresh in their memories - Sunday's blown fourth-quarter lead in a 17-16 loss to Jacksonville.

''I don't know what it is, but I know that there are spurts where we play well enough to win, and there are spurts where it looks like we don't know what the hell we're doing,'' guard Kyle Long said.

They've done a lot right, but two losses in three winnable games leaves them looking for ways to keep from packing it in early.

''We know that we can compete against any team,'' linebacker Willie Young said. ''It's never a case where we haven't had an opportunity to win.

''It's just closing it out.''

Quarterback Brian Hoyer has a franchise-record four straight 300-yard passing games, and on Sunday he started to find receiver Alshon Jeffery with more regularity.

Jeffery had 93 yards on seven catches, while Cameron Meredith had his second straight 100-yard receiving day.

The defense stopped Jacksonville on third down eight out of 10 times and forced two turnovers. Yet they saw a 13-0 lead after three quarters disintegrate.

''I think our guys can see how close we are,'' coach John Fox said Monday. ''Yesterday was no different than the week before against Indy.''

The Bears lost that one in the final four minutes.

''I mean, we gave away a couple plays, but all in all we're getting better every week and it's showing out there,'' linebacker Danny Trevathan said.

''Turnovers, execution - but it's just a couple plays here and there that we have to minimize.''

The Bears' defense is hoping to get a major asset back this week.

Linebacker Pernell McPhee on Friday became eligible to be considered for activation to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list.

McPhee has been recovering from offseason knee surgery.

If McPhee is deemed able to play against the Packers, it will be on only two practices since there was no practice held Monday.

''He'll do some stuff with the training staff and some of the coaching staff, and we'll just have to get a feel, and make a decision before Thursday,'' Fox said.

The Bears will closely watch several other defensive injuries, including starting cornerbacks Tracy Porter (knee) and Bryce Callahan (hamstring).

In addition, guard Josh Sitton was hoping to face his former team after being signed off waivers by the Bears just before the start of the regular season.

But Sitton, who already had a shoulder injury, suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter against Jacksonville and Fox said he wouldn't have practiced Monday if a practice had been held.

Quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb sprain) remains sidelined, as well, but with Hoyer having gone 189 throws without an interception, the Bears have avoided pushing their starter into returning too soon.

The Bears haven't started 1-6 since 2000.

Fox is doing what he can to keep morale high, including citing recent NFL history.

''You know, a team a year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs, started 1-5 and they made the playoffs,'' Fox said. ''So all of those things are possible but if you lay down your sword, not so much.''

[StarDust Bum]

Rams land in London with work to do before Giants showdown
October 17, 2016

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Rams' flight from Detroit to London was a breeze, and the team arrived in England ready to start work for the upcoming week.

Fixing the problems revealed in Sunday's loss to the Lions will take a bit longer.

The Rams (3-3) have lost two straight heading into their game against the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium this weekend, erasing their strongest start to a season in a decade.

A trip to London is an added complication for a team that has seemingly spent most of 2016 in transit, but the NFL and the Rams' support staff are making this journey as manageable as possible. The Rams had a team meal with their families at Ford Field before boarding their flight and touching down across the Atlantic on Monday.

''We came in this morning, and everything is set up,'' coach Jeff Fisher said in a phone interview from London. ''We're ready to go. The coaches, as we speak, are game-planning downstairs. They haven't had a whole lot of sleep, but I think by Wednesday, we'll be OK. The players will be the same way. We're encouraging them to eat and take care of themselves.''

The players have Tuesday off before returning to practice Wednesday, so the coaches have only a few days to address the shift in the Rams' problems revealed in Detroit.

After five weeks of the Los Angeles defense soundly outplaying the offense, quarterback Case Keenum set a franchise record for consecutive completions during an impressive offensive day in Detroit - only to be let down by the defense giving up 348 yards and 31 points.

''The offense did their job, and that's what the focus has been over the past month,'' Fisher said. ''We're improving. We just need to keep it going. ... (Keenum) had a great day. It obviously wasn't enough to win. The difficulty we had in the game was keeping Detroit out of the end zone and 31 points is unacceptable from a defensive (standpoint). We had some opportunities to change the game. We just couldn't make the play we needed to make on defense.''

The Rams also continued to be plagued by penalties. They're third in the NFL with 50 penalties for 435 yards. Still, Fisher insists: ''I'm not overly concerned right now. Penalties aren't our problem.''

He's more concerned about getting execution from a defense that was missing two of its best players in Detroit: defensive end Robert Quinn and cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Los Angeles then lost defensive lineman Michael Brockers and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner to injuries during the game, and it's too early in the week to know who will be back this weekend at Twickenham.

''I expect our defense to bounce back as the health factor improves,'' Fisher said. ''The encouraging thing for me in the big picture is the offense is making plays, and Case is comfortable, and we're pushing the ball down the field. We're getting the ball in the end zone. We're getting the ball to our playmakers.''

Indeed, the Rams no longer have the NFL's 32nd-ranked offense, even if only for a week. After finishing last in 2015 and ranking last again this season, Los Angeles moved up to 31st with 387 yards at Detroit, boosting its average to 301.3 yards per game.

NOTES: Fisher said he apologized to Detroit coach Jim Caldwell after the Rams attempted to break through the Lions' offensive line on the final two plays, attempting to force a turnover in the Victory formation. Fisher indicated star DL Aaron Donald was upset about the Detroit offensive line's behavior earlier in the game, but didn't use it as an excuse. ''When the game's over, the game's over,'' Fisher said. ''Pay respect to your opponent. ... We'll address it, and it's unlikely it will happen again.'' ... Brockers was sidelined in Detroit by a new injury, not the hip problem that kept him out against Buffalo earlier this month. ... OL Cody Wichmann could have played at Detroit, but wasn't needed, Fisher said. Wichmann has an ankle injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Richard Sherman's tirade overshadows Seattle's win
October 17, 2016

RENTON, Wash. (AP) In the future, Seattle coach Pete Carroll would prefer if Richard Sherman handled his frustrations in a way that did not result in an emotional eruption on the sideline in the middle of a game.

Sherman's shouting match with players and coaches became a teaching moment for the Seahawks on Monday, a day after Seattle rallied for a 26-24 win over Atlanta .

Carroll spent most of his Monday availability talking about emotions, philosophy and what exactly transpired on Seattle's sideline that became as much of a story as the Seahawks improving to 4-1.

''What I told the guys today was there's going to always be things that happen and we're going to learn if we can from the experiences that we have and those that we draw from and get smarter and more aware, we're going to get better,'' Carroll said. ''It wound up being an extraordinary positive for our team that we could hang through the rigors and the challenges against a terrific team and find a way to win a football game.''

Sherman's tirade happened after a blown coverage in Seattle's secondary that allowed Julio Jones to run uncovered down the sideline for a 36-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Sherman was livid, screaming at anyone within earshot on the sideline and getting in the face of anyone who tried to calm him down. Earl Thomas, Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner all took turns trying to calm Sherman with little success.

Carroll mostly stood back and watched how his players handled the situation.

''I thought it was a marvelous job of our guys showing who they are and their resolve to make sure they do what is right for our team,'' Carroll said. ''It was impressive.''

Carroll said it was miscommunication between Sherman and backup safety Kelcie McCary - playing because Chancellor was injured - that led to Jones being wide open. There were times last year when the Seahawks had communication issues in their secondary that led to uncovered receivers, but they never resulted in a public eruption like Sherman's.

''What was clear, to me, was that Kam is a big factor,'' Carroll said. ''We don't see that stuff. I can't even remember a game where Kam was playing. He has such a connection and the skill in communicating and all that. (Kelcie) couldn't have that. He hasn't played enough with our guys. He's been there, but it's not the same.''

Sherman was in the spotlight before the game started because of his expected matchup against Jones. Along with his tirade, Sherman was at the center of a controversial no-call on Atlanta's final offensive play when Jones tried to pull in a deep pass from Matt Ryan. Sherman had a grip on Jones' right arm as he attempted to catch the pass and Atlanta's sideline screamed for a pass interference call.

Carroll added that he does not see a drawback in players being so close to the edge emotionally.

''It gives us a chance to find out how good you can be as a group,'' he said. ''Without it, you can still do good, but you don't get familiar with that space and what that mentality is like. So it's hard to not only get there but it's hard to stay there. You have to get familiar with it and what it feels like to be totally immersed and committed and focused and maximizing. And then you have to do it again and again, so you have to understand it. We're trying to learn how to do that.''

Seattle received mixed news on two injuries.

Bennett has a chance to play next week at Arizona after injuring his right knee on a cut block by Atlanta's Jake Matthews. Bennett was incensed by the block, calling it unnecessary and using a few expletives to drive home his point.

After reviewing the game film, Carroll didn't see any problems with the block.

''It was clean. Nobody wants to get hit in the legs, but it wasn't a dirty play or anything like that. It wasn't illegal,'' Carroll said.

The news on Luke Willson wasn't as good. Carroll said Willson has cartilage damage and strained ligaments in his right knee that could require surgery. Willson was injured on Christine Michael's touchdown run in the fourth quarter that pulled Seattle within 24-23.

[StarDust Bum]

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak returns from week hiatus
October 17, 2016

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Gary Kubiak bristled at the suggestion he might still be worn down after a week away from football.

''No, do I look weak?'' the Denver Broncos coach said.

Well, truthfully, his voice was a little bit faint.

''That's probably because I've been hollering a lot this morning,'' Kubiak said. ''But, no, I feel good. And I feel really good just getting out here and getting going again.''

Kubiak, 55, returned to work Monday, a week after his doctor ordered him to take time off after he suffered a complex migraine and was hospitalized overnight following Denver's loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 9.

Kubiak certainly had plenty to howl about.

During his absence, the Broncos, led by special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, were beaten 21-13 by the San Diego Chargers, who snapped their 10-game losing streak in the AFC West and Denver's NFL record 15-game divisional road winning streak.

The loss followed a familiar script: slow start, poor play up front, conservative calls.

''It was good just being able to have our leader back,'' cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. ''He kind of lights a fire under everybody, get everybody going, coaches, players, everybody. So, it's good to have that accountability back in the room.

''He just kept it straightforward with us, told us what we needed to do. We need to get it going in the right direction. I mean, that's what you need to hear from your coach, especially after you lost two games like that,'' Harris said. ''He just pretty much told us the last two games just pretty much looked the exact same, so we need to change what we do.''

The Broncos (4-2) host Houston (4-2) on Monday night in Denver's first game against former longtime backup QB Brock Osweiler and Kubiak's first game against his former team.

Kubiak was coach of the Texans in 2013 when he had his first health scare, suffering a mini-stroke during halftime of a game against the Colts. He missed 10 days then and returned, to the coaching box at first.

He's expected to be on the sideline Monday night.

Kubiak said his doctors in Denver and Houston have compared notes but he doesn't believe the two medical incidents are related. He said his latest health scare was basically a warning sign that he needs to get more sleep.

''I feel really good,'' Kubiak said. ''I got too much rest, unfortunately. I didn't want it. But I got it. I feel very good. ... All my tests came back great. So, it's good to be back to work. I really missed a few days there. It was really tough to watch, so I'm glad to be back.''

Kubiak watched the Broncos' latest loss with his son, Klein, a Broncos scout, from his home in Denver.

''It's tough. We've got to play better,'' Kubiak said. ''I told the players today, the last two games for us looked a lot alike, unfortunately.''

Notes: Kubiak said rookie RB Devontae Booker is getting more adept at blitz pickup and ''I think he deserves more opportunities to handle the football,'' especially after gaining 46 yards on five carries against the Chargers. ... The Broncos claimed OL Billy Turner off waivers from the Ravens. To make room, they waived OL Darrion Weems. ... LT Russell Okung and WR/KR Cody Latimer both are in the concussion protocol but attended practice on a sunny day, a hopeful sign they'll be able to return this week.

[StarDust Bum]

Texans look for improvement before trip to Denver
October 17, 2016

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans are 4-2 and remain atop the AFC South standings after rallying for an overtime win against the Colts on Sunday night.

But there are plenty of ways they can improve before next Monday's trip to Denver after playing three lackluster quarters in the victory.

Quarterback Brock Osweiler and the offense struggled to get going early for the second straight game, falling behind 13-0 after trailing 24-0 early last week in a loss to Minnesota. Questions remain about Osweiler after he's thrown as many interceptions (8) as touchdowns this season.

''What happened (Sunday) was we either didn't start the drive with a positive play or we did and then we would get a penalty or some type of sack or (tackle for loss) that would set us back in the drive,'' O'Brien said. ''We have to eliminate those. We have to eliminate penalties, eliminate the things that make us an inconsistent offense and kind of try to bottle some of the things we did late in the game to be more consistent.''

The offense rebounded late on Sunday, with Osweiler throwing two touchdown passes in the last three minutes to erase a 14-point deficit and force overtime. He then directed a drive that ended with the winning field goal.

Critics have been hard on Osweiler because of his inconsistent play after he signed a $72 million contract to join the Texans. He isn't sure what Sunday's comeback win showed about him, but hopes people understand the work he's putting in to get better.

''The struggles we've had aren't due to a lack of preparation or a lack of confidence or anything like that,'' he said. ''We come in here ... and we prepare extremely hard all week long to be successful. I understand there (have) been some frustrating moments, but this team showed a lot of heart (Sunday), and I hope people saw that, as well.''

O'Brien thinks a key to the offense improving is getting running back Lamar Miller more touches. Miller was the star of the win over the Colts, finishing with a season-high 149 yards rushing with a touchdown and adding a receiving score.

He's already been very involved in the offense and his 125 carries rank second in the NFL, but O'Brien still want to give him more opportunities.

''The more we get Lamar the ball, probably the better,'' O'Brien said. ''Because I think when he touches the ball usually good things happen. Whether it's in the run or the passing game or screens or however we get him the ball, I think it's probably going to be good for the Houston Texans.''

Houston's pass rush has remained solid despite the loss of last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year, J.J. Watt. However, the Texans are looking to shore up their run game after Frank Gore became the first Indianapolis player to rush for 100 yards since 2012.

''There were times where we looked like we were really doing a great job stopping the run, but too many double-digit yardage runs, too many double-digit drives,'' O'Brien said.

The Texans will also have to make some adjustments this week after cornerback Kevin Johnson injured his foot Sunday and is out indefinitely. Houston has had a lot of injuries to the secondary recently.

The Texans opened Sunday's game without starting cornerback Kareem Jackson and safety Quintin Demps before cornerback Johnathan Joseph left with a forearm injury.

Houston will likely get those three players back this week, but O'Brien wouldn't provide any details on when Johnson might return.