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

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Betting Recap - Week 10
November 14, 2016

Overall Notes

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 10 RESULTS

Wager Favorites-Underdogs

Straight Up 5-8

Against the Spread 4-9

Wager Home-Away

Straight Up 6-7

Against the Spread 5-8

Wager Totals (O/U)

Over-Under 7-6

The largest underdogs to win straight up

Seahawks (+7.5, ML +290) at Patriots, 31-24
Dolphins (+4.5, ML +170) at Chargers, 31-24

The largest favorite to cover

Ravens (-7.5) vs. Browns, 28-7

Cowboy Up

-- The Dallas Cowboys picked up an entertaining 35-30 win on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers, staying hot against the number. Dallas has covered eight straight games, improving to 8-0-1 ATS on the season. That includes a 5-0 SU/ATS mark away from Jerry World. They're also 3-0 SU/ATS against the AFC North Division, and they'll play their fourth and final game against that division when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town.

Not Feeling Minnesota

-- The Minnesota Vikings opened the season 5-0 SU/ATS, but after a 26-20 setback on the road against the Washington Redskins the Vikings slipped to 0-4 SU/ATS over the past four outings. The Vikings will look to slap the brakes on their losing streak when the Arizona Cardinals visit Minnesota's palacial new stadium in the Twin Cities in Week 11.
Total Recall

-- The 'over' was in the majority again in Week 10, edging out the 'under' 7-6 with one left to play Monday. In three AFC battles the 'over' edged the 'under' 2-1. In four NFC clashes the 'over/under' split 2-2. In six AFC vs. NFC games the 'over/under' managed a 3-3 mark heading into Monday's clash between Cincinnati-N.Y. Giants. Through the first nine weeks of NFL action the 'over' is 80-64 (55.6%).

-- Four of the six games with a total of 48.5 or more hit the 'over', including Dallas-Pittsburgh (50.5) and Seattle-New England (49.5), the two highest totals on the board. For the second consecutive weekend the highest-scoring game of the week featured the Tennessee Titans, who picked up a 47-25 win over the visiting Green Bay Packers. There have been a total of 150 points in the past two games the Titans have been involved.

-- The game with the lowest total of the weekend, the game between Los Angeles-N.Y. Jets (39) easily hit with just 15 total points.If you're been following Chris David's Total Talk, you'll know games featuring Pacific Time Zone teams playing in the Eastern Time Zone entered the week with a 10-0 'over' mark. The Rams and Jets ended up as the first 'under' in 11 games, but the Seahawks-Patriots game was an 'over' to push that trend to 11-1 on the season.

-- The 'over/under' is 1-1 through two primetime games with the Cincinnati-N.Y. Giants (47.5) yet to go. Officially, the 'over' is 15-15 (50.0%) through 30 games under the lights. In 2015, the over finished 20-28-1 (41.7%) in 49 primetime games. In 2014, the over went 33-17 (66%) in primetime games, and the over was 28-22 (56%) in 2013.


Injury Report

-- Bears RB Jordan Howard (ankle/Achilles') said after the game that he was fine, but head coach John Fox said Howard suffered an ankle or Achilles' injury in Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay.

-- Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) checked out of the win against San Francisco briefly, but was able to finish up. However, after the game it was reported he will need an MRI Monday for a sore knee.

-- Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (head) was forced out for a handful of plays after a hard, but clean, hit in the Sunday night game against the Seahawks.

Looking Ahead

-- The Saints and Panthers meet for the second time this season, this time on Thursday Night Football. The Week 6 battle in New Orleans resulted in a 41-38 Saints victory, the fourth straight 'over' in the past four meetings in the series. Carolina has won three of the past five meetings, but the Panthers are 1-4 ATS during the span. The 'over' is 8-3 in the past 11 in the series.

-- The winless Browns host the Steelers in Week 11, and they haven't had a lot of success against their rivals from western Pennsylvania in recent seasons. Cleveland has won just three of the past 25 meetings in this series, and they're 9-15-1 ATS during the span. The Browns are 5-3 ATS in their past eight at home against the Steelers while the 'under' has cashed in six of those outings. The 'under' is 8-2 in the past 10 meetings overall.

-- The Colts and Titans will do battle for the second time this season. Indianapolis went down to Nashville and won 34-26 in Week 7, covering with an 'over' result. The Colts have won 10 straight meetings dating back to Oct. 30, 2011, going 9-1 ATS during the span. Indianapolis has really dominated at home, winning eight straight meetings dating back to Dec. 30, 2007. The Colts have covered five in a row at home, and they're 7-1 ATS in the past eight meetings in Indy. The 'over' has hit in three straight meetings, and four of the past five. The 'over' is also 3-1 in the past four battles at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy.

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Bengals, Giants square off
November 11, 2016

Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1 SU, 3-5 ATS) vs. New York Giants (5-3 SU, 4-3-1 ATS)

Sportsbook.ag Odds: Cincinnati (-1); Total Set at 47.5

This MNF line has already seen plenty of movement this week as the New York Giants opened up in the -3 range, as there still appears to be very few believers in Eli and company. The Bengals do have that angle that every better loves to back in that they are coming off their bye week, but I wouldn't be so quick to jump on that angle here as it looks like everyone has been quick to do.

The Bengals are a team that have definitely underperformed relative to their preseason expectations and while there still is time for this team to turn it around, just one win in their last four contests is a quite worrisome if I was looking to back the Bengals here.

New York enters this prime time showdown having won three straight and are right back on the Cowboys heels in the NFC East. QB Eli Manning still had some turnover issues in the win vs. Philly last week, and the Giants are still searching for a running game, but to see bettors flock to go against a team on a three-game winning streak is a little surprising.

It's even more surprising when you see that the Bengals have only beaten a winless Cleveland team and Miami – before they got hot – since Week 2. Cincinnati is also 0-3 SU and ATS in road games since Week 2 and that's what makes this line move so intriguing.

Are bettors unwilling to let go of their preseason projections of Cincinnati competing for an AFC North crown? Are they simply supporting the rested team here? Are all the Bengals bets more of a play against the Giants? Or is it a combination of all those factors and even more?

For bettors that haven't touched or broken down this game yet, it's nearly impossible to take the Bengals now. All the line value is gone with this game moving to basically a pick'em and we will likely see some buyback on this game by the time Monday rolls around.

Yet, I have a tough time believing this move in the first place as Marvin Lewis is arguably one of the worst coaches in the league in terms of clock management, game planning, and predictability with play-calling in downs and distance, and it feels like the rest of the league has finally caught on to that 100%.

Lewis has kept his post as the head man in Cincinnati this long in spite of himself as he's had been bailed out by quite a bit of talent around him – on the field and in the coaching ranks – as there are three of his recent former assistant coaches now leading teams:

Mike Zimmer (Minnesota), Jay Gruden (Washington), and Hue Jackson (Cleveland). Jackson has had a rough year in across the state in Ohio, but the Browns simply don't have NFL-calibre talent on their roster.

Zimmer and Gruden have taken their respective clubs to the playoffs recently, and without any of those guys around anymore in Cincinnati, this 3-4-1 SU team might be the true reflection of a Marvin Lewis coached squad when he doesn't have quality help.

Secondly, betting against streaks is a risky proposition and with this line now at pick'em, you would be betting against New York's three-game winning streak. For all the turnovers Eli has caused, and all the lack of luck the Giants defense has had in forcing turnovers – especially recovering fumbles, this team is still finding ways to win. For years the Giants typically would find ways to lose these tight games (aside from their Super Bowl years) and this year is shaping up much differently.

One week it's the offense making a clutch late drive to close out things like when they beat Baltimore a few weeks back, and last week it was the defense stepping up in the final minutes to finish off the Eagles. The perception of the Giants may still be overwhelmingly negative, hence the line move already on this contest, but the win/loss column says otherwise.

If you've followed along with my NFL betting previews all season long you'll know I'm never afraid to go against the consensus, and this looks to be another one of those games. The Bengals are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a winning record and with the Giants at home in a prime time atmosphere you've got to like their chances.

If this game was in Cincinnati, this new line suggests that the Bengals would be -6 or -7 against New York and that's absurd.

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MNF - Bengals at Giants
November 12, 2016

The Week 10 finale in the NFL pits an interconference battle between the Bengals and Giants at Met Life Stadium. Cincinnati is playing its second straight NFC East opponent following its tie in London against Washington, while New York is right in the midst of the Wild Card race following a three-game winning streak.

LAST WEEK

The Bengals sat through the bye week in Week 9, but we’ll rewind an extra week back to Week 8. Cincinnati finished in a 27-27 tie against Washington in London as the Bengals failed to reach the .500 mark. The Bengals fell to 3-4-1 SU and 3-5 ATS as Marvin Lewis’ team couldn’t hold onto a 10-point third quarter lead. Kirk Cousins torched Cincinnati’s defense for 458 yards, compared to 284 yards passing from Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton. The Bengals picked up three touchdowns on the ground, including 152 yards rushing, the third straight game Cincinnati has rushed for at least 120 yards.

The Giants improved to 2-1 inside the NFC East after holding off the Eagles, 28-23 to cash as three-point home favorites. Eli Manning put up only 257 yards passing, but threw four touchdowns for the Giants, including a pair of scoring connections with Odell Beckham, Jr. New York’s ground game has been grounded for much of the season as the Giants accumulated only 54 yards on 24 carries, the fifth straight game they have been limited to 80 yards or fewer.

PRIMETIME PROBLEMS

Since 2012, the Bengals have struggled under the lights in the regular season by posting a 5-10 SU and 7-8 ATS record. Cincinnati picked up a victory in its only primetime opportunity this season in Week 4 against Miami, but the Bengals are winless in their last three road contests played on Monday night. Last season, the Bengals split a pair of Monday nighters, including a 10-6 loss to Houston as 10-point home favorites.

GIANT SCORING

Since cashing the UNDER in their home opener against the Saints in Week 2, New York has easily eclipsed the OVER in each of its past three contests at Met Life Stadium. The Giants and their opponent have combined for at least 50 points in each of the last three home contests even though the closing totals were 47, 42 ½, and 42 ½. Monday’s total sits at 48 at Sportsbook.ag, as the Giants are 4-1 to the UNDER on totals of 44 ½ and higher.

LINE MOVEMENT

The Las Vegas Westgate Superbook opened the Giants as two-point home favorites. However, that line has swung in Cincinnati’s favor as the Bengals are listed as one-point chalk at many sports books, including the Westgate. The total opened at 47 and is hovering between 47 and 48 at most outlets.

SERIES HISTORY

The Bengals are making their first ever trip to Met Life Stadium as Cincinnati last visited New York and the Meadowlands in 2008 as 13-point underdogs. Cincinnati cashed in a 26-23 overtime loss as the road team has never won in this series. The Bengals defeated the Giants in their last matchup in 2012 as 3 ½-point home underdogs, 31-13. Dalton torched New York for four touchdowns, while the Bengals’ defense intercepted Manning twice.

HANDICAPPER’S CORNER

VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson says that even though the Giants are in the playoff race, there are some negative numbers against them. “The Giants own a negative scoring differential on the season as all five wins have come by seven or fewer points, but New York is currently in a great position as if they can win Monday night the next two games are against the Bears and Browns and 8-3 is a very realistic possibility ahead of a difficult five-game stretch to close the season in December,” Nelson notes.

Since nobody is pulling away in the AFC North, Nelson comments that the Bengals can still finish atop their division if they take care of business, “The Bengals still have four division games remaining including both meetings with the Ravens ahead and no team left on Cincinnati’s schedule has a record better than 5-3 as a great second half run is possible for the 2015 division champions. Cincinnati is 1-3 on the road this season with disappointing numbers, but the three road losses came at Pittsburgh, Dallas, and New England for a formidable slate.”

PROPS – According to Las Vegas Westgate Superbook

Cincinnati

A. Dalton – Total Touchdown Passes
1 ½ - OVER (+110)
1 ½ - UNDER (-130)

A.J. Green – Total Receiving Yards
87 ½ - OVER (-110)
87 ½ - UNDER (-110)

New York

E. Manning - Total Completions
23 ½ - OVER (-110)
23 ½ - UNDER (-110)

E. Manning – Total Touchdown Passes
1 ½ - OVER (-130)
1 ½ - UNDER (+110)

O. Beckham, Jr. – Total Receiving Yards
85 ½ - OVER (-110)
85 ½ - UNDER (-110)

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NFL

Monday, November 14

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Monday Night Football betting preview: Bengals at Giants
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The Giants have rebounded from a three-game skid by sandwiching a pair of home wins around a "road" victory at London.

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants (+1, 47)

Trying to keep pace with the surprising Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, the New York Giants go for their fourth consecutive victory when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. The Giants have rebounded from a three-game skid by sandwiching a pair of home wins around a "road" victory at London to remain two games off the division lead.

New York is coming off a 28-23 victory over Philadelphia, continuing a trend of being able to win the close games -- all five victories have come by a margin of 20 points. "We're getting better day by day," Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said. "Right now we're in a good spot. Just got to keep winning." Prior to last week's bye, Cincinnati played in London and came away with a 27-27 tie with Washington, which posted a 29-27 win at New York in Week 3. The Bengals, who are looking up at first-place Baltimore (5-4) in the AFC North, have been held to 17 points or fewer in each of its losses.

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

LINE HISTORY: The Giants opened the betting week as 2.5-point home favorites but early action on the Bengals flipped that line to the Bengals as one-point road faves. The total opened at 47 and remains at that number as of Sunday evening. Check out the complete history here.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies for opening kickoff, increasing cloud as the opening half progresses and a 60 percent chance of rain as the game moves into the second half. Temperatures will be around 50 degrees with barely a whisper of wind (1-2 mph).

INJURY REPORT:

Bengals - DE W. Gilberry (probable, personal), LB V. Burfict (probable, knee), WR J. Wright (questionable, hamstring), DE M. Johnson (questionable, calf), DT P. Sims (questionable, ribs), DT B. Thompson (questionable, knee), HB C. Peerman (questionable, arm), LB R. Maualuga (out, leg), CB W. Jackson III (I-R, pectoral), DT M. Hardison (I-R, shoulder), DT A. Billings (I-R, knee).

Giants - S A. Adams (questionable, shoulder), QB R. Nassib (questionable, elbow), DE K. Wynn (questionable, concussion), WR V. Cruz (doubful, ankle), G J. Pugh (early Dec, knee), S D. Thompson (I-R, foot), RB S. Vereen (elig week 12, tricep), S M. Thompson (I-R, knee), FB N. Whitlock (I-R, foot), LB J. Thomas (I-R, knee), FB W. Johnson (I-R, stinger), TE M. LaCosse (I-R, knee).

ABOUT THE BENGALS (3-4-1 SU, 3-5 ATS, 5-3 O/U): Quarterback Andy Dalton has a streak of four straight games with a 100-plus passer rating snapped in London, but he has thrown for 2,349 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. Star wide receiver A.J. Green is second in the NFL with 896 yards, including three games with at least 169 yards, and the offense received an added boost with the return of tight end Tyler Eifert against the Redskins. Eifert had 13 touchdowns last season and showed what a difference-maker he can be in his first start with nine catches for 102 yards and a score. Cincinnati's defense has been vulnerable through the air, allowing an average of 262.4 yards.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (5-3 SU, 4-3-1 ATS, 3-5 O/U): Quarterback Eli Manning is coming off a four-touchdown performance against Philadelphia, the third time he has tossed at least three scoring passes in a game this season, but he also was picked off twice for the third time. Like Cincinnati, the Giants have a stud wideout in Beckham, who caught a pair of scoring passes against the Eagles to give him five in the past four games. The biggest problem for the Giants has been a stagnant running game led by Rashad Jennings that ranks last in the league with a meager average of 68.3 yards per game. Rookie Paul Perkins could see more time this week to help work the clock and protect a defense that yields 277.4 yards passing.

TRENDS:

Bengals are 0-5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Giants are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Under is 8-1 in Bengals last 9 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Giants last 6 home games.
Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The home team New York Giants are picking up 59 percent of the point spread action and Over is grabbing 68 percent of the totals wagers.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CIN at NYG 08:30 PM

NYG +1.0

O 48.0

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Close Calls - Week 10
November 16, 2016

Glancing at the scoreboard won’t tell you the whole story in most games. Here are some of the games that went down to the wire relative to the spread in the fourth quarter last week in Week 10 of the NFL regular season.

Houston Texans (+3) 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 21 (42): Houston led 21-10 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Jaguars managed to get within three points just ahead of the two-minute warning with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion. Disaster nearly struck the Texans with a muffed kickoff catch, Houston recovered but was buried on the 8-yard line and Jacksonville had two timeouts and the two-minute warning. On third-and-five, Brock Osweiler hit DeAndre Hopkins for a crucial first down to effectively end the game.

Kansas City Chiefs (+3) 20, Carolina Panthers 17 (44): The Panthers were in control up 17-3 heading into the fourth quarter. The defense got a stop to hold the Chiefs to a short field goal, but the game turned with a 42-yard interception return touchdown from Eric Berry. The Chiefs successfully went for two and all of sudden it was a three-point game, right even with the spread. Kansas City tied the game with about four minutes to go before both teams traded punts. Getting the ball back with just 29 seconds left, the Panthers were aggressive and threw for a solid gain to Kelvin Benjamin but fighting for extra yards he took a shot to dislodge the ball just before his knee touched. The Chiefs knocked in the game-winning field goal for a 20-0 run to close the game and an improbable win and cover despite very little offensive production.

Denver Broncos (+3) 25, New Orleans Saints 23 (50): The Saints rallied from a 10-0 deficit to lead 17-10 by the start of the fourth quarter taking advantage of a short field after an interception. Denver missed a field goal on its next possession, but the Broncos got the ball back quickly after a fumble. Denver converted the turnover into a game-tying touchdown with about nine minutes to go in the game. Denver’s defense held and a short field goal put Denver up by three with just over three minutes to go. Another fumble put the Broncos right back in the red zone, but they couldn’t put the game away as they went up by just six with another field goal. Those with Denver +3 felt safe at that point even after the Saints hit a big play in the final two minutes to tie the game with a touchdown. Incredibly, the extra point attempt was blocked and returned for a defensive conversion but on replay it looked very possible that Will Parks stepped out of bounds, meaning a tie game and all spread and total results would still be in play with overtime possible. On review, the defensive conversion held with no clear angle to overturn it and the Saints didn’t have any timeouts and failed on the on-side kick attempt.

Los Angeles Rams (-1) 9, New York Jets 6 (38): For a league looking to boost ratings, it was fortunate this game was not in a prime timeslot as the Rams and Jets combined for 15 punts and 15 points. The Jets missed an extra point after a second quarter touchdown and thus it was a 6-6 tie through three quarters. Field position proved critical and a marginal punt early in the final frame put the Rams at their own 48-yard line to start drive that eventually lasted 10 plays despite netting just 36 yards. It was enough for the go-ahead field goal with below seven minutes to go. An interception ended the final New York threat just after the two-minute warning.

Philadelphia Eagles (-2) 24, Atlanta Falcons 15 (48½): The spread on this game jumped around all week and various results were possible as the Eagles led 10-9 through three quarters. A field goal made it 13-9, but Atlanta hit a 76-yard pass play to take a 15-13 lead, missing on the extra point try. Philadelphia got eight points with a 76-yard touchdown drive to lead 21-15 with fewer than seven minutes remaining though the Falcons were still a threat with only a six point disadvantage. With over two minutes to go, the Falcons aggressively went for it on fourth-and-5 from their own 40. That failure gave the Eagles a field goal 22 seconds later as Atlanta used its timeouts and fell behind by nine. The Falcons were intercepted on their last effort as the Eagles held on.

Washington Redskins (-2½) 26, Minnesota Vikings 20 (42): Down 14-0 early, the struggling Vikings offense scored 20 points in six minutes at the end of the first half, but a missed extra point loomed large. Washington tied the game through three quarters with a pair of field goals and took a three-point lead past the home favorite spread with nine minutes to go. Minnesota went 49 yards on its next possession, but wound up with an interception and Washington added three more points to lead by six, leaving the door open with more than two minutes remaining. The Vikings had a 12-play drive down to the Washington 21-yard line before going backwards in the final seconds.

Miami Dolphins (+4) 31, San Diego Chargers 24 (49): The Chargers saw a 10-0 edge disappear as Miami led 21-17 through three quarters. That lead held with two costly San Diego interceptions including one in the end zone as the Chargers failed to take advantage of a lot of extra opportunities with seven first downs via penalty. Miami could not pull away further as after getting a questionable third down conversion via penalty the Chargers broke a big 51-yard pass play to go in front 24-21. Miami hit their own big play down to the San Diego 10-yard line with about four minutes to go, but had to settle for a field goal to tie the game, leaving all outcomes in play, though those on the ‘over’ were in a great position. San Diego approached midfield after the two minute warning, but a Philip Rivers pass was returned 60 yards by Kiko Alonso to put Miami up by seven and another interception ended San Diego’s final drive.

Dallas Cowboys (+3) 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 30 (50½): The Steelers trailed 23-18 through three quarters, but a touchdown with eight minutes to go put the Steelers up by one, but for the third time in the game, Pittsburgh failed on a two-point conversion attempt. Dallas answered to go up by five, also missing going for two just after the two minute warning. In just five plays, the Steelers were back in the end zone and again failed going for two it what looked like a critical play for those on the Steelers at -2 or -3. It wound up not mattering as Dallas drove into field goal range in the final seconds and on what surely would have been the final offensive play before a lengthy field goal attempt Ezekiel Elliott surged through the line and wound up with a 32-yard touchdown run as Dallas won by five.

Seattle Seahawks (+7½) 31, New England Patriots 24 (49½): New England led 24-22 early in the fourth quarter before Seattle took a one-point advantage just past the nine-minute mark. After a New England fumble from Julian Edelman, the Seahawks went 48 yards to go up 31-24 and opted to go for two, leaving the door open for those that had the Patriots at -7. In an amazing finish, the Patriots wound up basically where Seattle was late in the Super Bowl between these teams with first-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the final minute, though in this case the Patriots were looking to extend the game not win it. Seattle’s defense held with a mishandled snap costing the Patriots a play and the officials didn’t throw the flag amidst a lot of contact on New England’s final play.

New York Giants (PK) 21, Cincinnati Bengals 20 (49½): The Bengals led 20-14 through three quarters in a game where an opening line of New York -3 flipped to Cincinnati -1 before settling at a pick. Early in the fourth quarter with the Giants down six, Ben McAdoo made a bold call to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line rather than kicking a field goal and the Giants were successful, taking a one-point lead. Interceptions ended the next drives for both teams and Cincinnati wound up punting on fourth-and-long from their own 16, hoping to get another chance. New York converted a big third down play ahead of the two-minute warning and eventually took a knee at the Cincinnati 21-yard line as your result depended a bit on your timing and location with the one-point win for the Giants.

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Tech Trends - Week 11
November 16, 2016


THURSDAY, NOV. 17
NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
NEW ORLEANS at CAROLINA (NBC/NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Saints have covered last three meetings, including wild 41-38 win on Oct. 16 at Superdome. Last four “over” in series, Saints “over” 25-16 since 2014. Brees also 5-0 as dog TY, 12-3-1 in role since 2014!
Tech Edge: Saints and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

SUNDAY, NOV. 20
NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
TENNESSEE at INDIANAPOLIS (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Indy won again vs. Titans on Oct. 23, that’s now 10 SU wins in a row (7-2-1 vs. line) in series for Colts. Indy “over” 8-2 last 10 since late LY, Tenn. also “over” 11-2 last 13 since late 2015, “overs” 6-2 last 8 in series.
Tech Edge: “Over” and slight to Colts, based on “totals” and series trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
JACKSONVILLE at DETROIT (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Jags 3-2 vs. line away TY in a bit of improvement from recent seasons. Lions 1-2-1 as home chalk TY but 5-2-1 last 8 vs. spread at Ford Field.
Tech Edge: Slight to Lions, based on team trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
TAMPA BAY at KANSAS CITY (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bucs “over” 9-3 last 12 since late 2015, also 3-1 SU and vs. line away TY. Andy Reid only 1-3 vs. line at Arrowhead TY and 1-6 last 7 as host since late 2015.
Tech Edge: Bucs and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
CHICAGO at NY GIANTS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
G-Men 4-0-1 vs. line last four after Cincy win on Monday. G-Men also “over” 5-1 last six at MetLife Stadium. Bears only 3-11 last 14 on board and “over” 7-4 last 11 on road.
Tech Edge: “Over” and Giants, based on “totals” and team trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
ARIZONA at MINNESOTA (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
After covering 19 of 22, Vikings have now lost and failed to cover four straight. Zimmer “under” 8-3 last 11 since late 2015. Cards 1-3 vs. line last four away and “under” 8-3 last 11 regular season.
Tech Edge: “Under,” based on “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
BUFFALO at CINCINNATI (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
After Monday loss vs. Giants., Cincy just 2-7 vs. line TY. Rex Ryan “over” 7-2 in 2016.
Tech Edge: Slight to Bills and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
BALTIMORE at DALLAS (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Dak 8-1 SU and 8-0-1 vs. line TY. Ravens have now won and covered two straight after dropping four in a row SU and vs. line. Ravens 14-9 last 23 as dog. Harbaugh also “under” 8-3 last 11 since late 2015.
Tech Edge: Cowboys and slight to “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
PITTSBURGH at CLEVELAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Browns now no covers last four TY after putting up some good fights, now 5-15-1 last 21 on board. Also “under” last two after Hue Jackson teams were “over” 12-3 dating to his Oakland year in 2011. Tomlin no wins or covers last four TY and only 1-3 as visitor. Steel also “under” 9-3 last 12 since late LY.
Tech Edge: Slight to Steel and “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
MIAMI at LOS ANGELES (FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Rams “under” 18-7-1 since late 2014. Miami four straight wins and covers.
Tech Edge: “Under” and Dolphins, based on “totals” and team trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
NEW ENGLAND at SAN FRANCISCO (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Niners covered last week but 1-7 vs. line last eight TY. Chip also “over” 6-3 TY and 11-4 last 15 dating to late last season with Eagles.
Tech Edge: Belichick and “over,” based on team and “totals” trendss.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
PHILADELPHIA at SEATTLE (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Seahawks “over” 7-2-1 last ten at home, though 1-4 vs. spread last five at CenturyLink since late LY.
Tech Edge: “Over,” based on “totals” trends.

NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
GREEN BAY at WASHINGTON (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Pack only 6-12 vs. spread last 18 reg.-season games. Note GB 1-8 as reg.-season dog since 2013. Skins 5-1-1 SU, 6-1 vs. line last seven games TY, 10-3 last 13 vs. spread in reg. season since late 2015. Skins also “over” 12-2 last 14 since late LY.
Tech Edge: Skins and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

MONDAY, NOV. 21
NFL Matchups NFL Matchups
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND at Mexico City (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Though technically not a visitor, Raiders 5-0 SU and vs. line away TY, 11-2 vs. spread away for Del Rio. Oakland “over” 7-2 TY.
Tech Edge: Raiders and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

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Books win big in Week 10
November 14, 2016

The excitement level from Week 10 is going to be hard for the NFL to top this season. It had just about everything you can think of when dreaming up the wildest, most improbable fantastic finishes. There was enough to last an entire season crammed into one Sunday. However, bettors might disagree about the excitement factor just because Week 10 saw their increased bankroll from the past three weeks dwindle.

"It's probably our best day of the season and could get better if the Seahawks cover," said MGM Resorts sports book hub manager Jeff Stoneback, just before kickoff of the titanic Sunday night game clash between Super Bowl 49 participants.

"Just look at that over there," he said motioning towards the Mirage sports book counter where lines usually form following the late afternoon results. "That kind of tells you how the day went. Not many are cashing after those late games."

Favorites would go 3-9 against-the-spread on the day with eight underdogs winning outright. The only team the public piled on that cashed was the Cowboys in their thrilling 35-30 win at Pittsburgh as three-point underdogs that featured eight lead changes. It was the eighth straight cover for the Cowboys and the first time they've won eight straight since 1977, which ended with a win over Denver in the Super Bowl. How about those Cowboys! They have the best record in the NFL using a back-up rookie quarterback.

"The room was jam packed with the crowd mostly rooting for Dallas," said Stoneback, "and they all erupted when (Ezekiel) Elliott ran in for the last second TD. You would have thought we would have lost with so much support, and we did have a 3-to-1 ratio on tickets written on them, but we had more money on the Steelers. We took a nice six-figure wager on the Steelers -2 on Tuesday."

The problem for bettors siding with Dallas is that they didn't have many other selections go their way to complete a winning parlay. The season long reliable trend of betting against the 49ers didn't work out so well Sunday as they took the Cardinals, who were favored by 14-points, to the final seconds until Arizona got a field goal to win 23-20. The 49ers had failed to cover seven straight games prior to Sunday.

"The 49ers covering was probably our best decision of the afternoon," said Stoneback.

One of the many fantastic finishes that was big for the sports books saw the Dolphins win 31-24 at San Diego (-4) with Kiko Alonso intercepting a Philip Rivers pass and returning it 60 yards for the game-winning touchdown with just 1:01 remaining. Rivers would throw his fourth interception of the game a few moments later to ice the game for Miami. William Hill sports books had 77 percent of all ticket written on the game siding with the Chargers.

Perhaps the most improbable finish of the day was in New Orleans where the Saints (-3) had scored what appeared to be the winning TD with 1:28 left. All that was left to do to take the lead was kick the extra-point. However, Denver would not only block the kick, but they'd pick up the ball and return for two points of their own to take a 25-23 lead and win the game. Action was split on this one, but the 'over' (50.5) was a popular choice.

The Panthers (-3) blew a 17-3 lead heading into the fourth-quarter where a lifeless Kansas City squad would reel off 17 unanswered points to win 20-17. It was all aided by an Eric Berry 42-yard Interception return for a TD. William Hill books had 60 percent of the cash on this game taking the Panthers, who appeared to be getting back to their 2015 ways, but are 3-6, and still in last place of the NFC South.

One of the few blowouts on the day happened against a team the majority supported. The Packers were -3 at Tennessee, but the Titans jumped all over the Packers swiss cheese defense to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and an eventual 47-25 win.

Even sharp money hard a hard time cashing as they sided with Jacksonville (-3) and Chicago (-3) all week to move the spread drastically. The Texans would win 24-21 at Jacksonville while the Bears would lose 36-10 at Tampa Bay.

It would seem fitting that the finale on the day would come down to a last second goal line stand between the top two rated teams in the league. William books saw 78 percent of the tickets written on the Patriots (-8) over the visiting Seahawks just because New England had gone 7-1 ATS this season and Tom Brady was 4-0 ATS since his return from suspension. But Brady wouldn't throw a TD pass in the Seahawks dramatic 31-24 win with Russell Wilson having his best game of the season -- 348 yards passing and three TDs.

"I wouldn't call it (Week 10) our biggest win of season, but it's right up there," South Point sports book director Chris Andrews would say following the Seahawks win.

Let's just call it the most exciting day of the season and go back to the drawing board for Week 11.

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'Dogs to Watch - Week 11
November 16, 2016

After last week's article had the shortest list of underdogs on it, it was a bit surprising to see two of the three win outright and the 49ers doing what they could to make it a clean sweep. Miami and Seattle sealed their victories in the final minute and bettors that weren't afraid to eschew the points and play those money lines were handsomely rewarded.

This week it's a much bigger list of NFL underdogs getting four points or more as we welcome the Cleveland Browns to the festivities once again. As I've been saying for weeks, Cleveland isn't worth a ML play until they prove that they can actually win a game, so no need to go any further on them this week.

Sportsbook.ag Week 11 Underdogs That Qualify

Jacksonville Jaguars (+6.5); ML (+220)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7.5); ML (+230)
Chicago Bears (+7.5); ML (+280)
Baltimore Ravens (+7); ML (+275)
Cleveland Browns (+9); ML (+280)
San Francisco 49ers (+13); ML (+625)
Philadelphia Eagles (+6.5); ML (+250)
Houston Texans (+6); ML (+205)

Right off the bat we can eliminate the 49ers (along with the Browns) as they are in the same category as Cleveland these days and might actually be the worse overall team. San Fran hosts a New England team fresh off their first loss with Tom Brady and there is no way you want to get in front of that train. That leaves six teams on the list and all of them have intriguing matchups this week.

Houston is in Oakland on MNF and get a rested Raiders team off their bye. The Texans won in Jacksonville last week despite QB Brock Osweiler throwing for just 99 yards in the game as his road struggles appear to be never ending. Although Houston did prove they could win on the road last week, there is no way I'm considering a ML bet on them this week.

Speaking of Jacksonville, the Jags are on the road to face another team coming off their bye in the Detroit Lions. The Lions find themselves in a tie for 1st in the NFC North and QB Matthew Stafford has had a resurgent year now that he's looking for the open receiver and not just if Calvin Johnson is open. We could see quite a few points put up here and Jacksonville definitely has a shot.

It's been a few years since the Lions were used to being a winning team and having the bye could have killed much of the momentum they've been building. For all their struggles, Jacksonville has been a much better football team away from home and could surprise some this week.

The other four teams (Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay) are all on the road as well and have some difficult matchups. But of those four, the two teams I'm willing to roll with on the ML are Baltimore (+275) in Dallas, and Tampa Bay (+230) in Kansas City.

Baltimore gets to take their shot at a Cowboys team that appears to have put the Dak Prescott/Tony Romo story behind them at least for this week. Dallas hasn't lost since Week 1 when they fell to the Giants, but eventually that bubble will burst and this could be the week.

Four of Dallas' last five games have been against tough opponents (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Green Bay, Cincinnati), and after this Baltimore game they've got a short week for a Thanksgiving matchup with division rival Washington, followed by road games at Minnesota and at NY Giants. All of their success has finally started to see a bit of line inflation with the Cowboys and a veteran Ravens team is more than capable of knocking them off and reopening the Prescott/Romo debate once again.

Tampa Bay got their first home victory of the year a week ago, but this would be more of a play against a Kansas City team that I'm not a big believer in. Carolina basically handed the Chiefs the win on Sunday and the rate at which KC has been forcing/recovering turnovers is unsustainable.

The Bucs are still in the thick of things in the NFC South and a huge win this week could propel them to a final six week stretch where they are playing meaningful football for the first time in years. At +230, the value is there, especially when the Chiefs could be looking past the Bucs a little bit and ahead to their game at Denver in Week 12.

So look for one of Baltimore (+275), Tampa Bay (+230), or Jacksonville (+220) to come away with the outright upset this week as playoff races heat up and the parity in the 2016 NFL season continues to grow.

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Rams QB Keenum unhappy with Goff move
November 16, 2016

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) Case Keenum knows his statistics are unimpressive, and he sees the Los Angeles Rams' record hovering below .500. He also realizes the raw economic imperatives faced by an NFL franchise that traded six draft picks to move up to get a quarterback with the No. 1 overall choice.

The team captain still couldn't deny his hurt feelings when the Rams (4-5) promoted Jared Goff into his starting spot this week.

''Honestly, I wasn't happy,'' Keenum said Wednesday after his second practice as the backup to the 22-year-old rookie who will take his first NFL snap Sunday.

''I want to play,'' Keenum said. ''That's why I play football, is to play football, is to be the quarterback, the guy with the ball in his hands. With that being said, I trust Coach (Jeff) Fisher. I trust the coaches and their decision.''

The Rams will get their first look at their future when the Miami Dolphins (5-4) visit the Coliseum. Goff sat behind Keenum for Los Angeles' first nine games, but Goff's progress in practice and the Rams' stagnant offensive performances for Keenum finally persuaded Fisher to make the change.

The timing still surprised Keenum, who led the Rams in a 9-6 victory over the Jets last weekend to snap a four-game skid. Los Angeles is still well within contention for the franchise's first playoff berth since 2004, and the defense has managed to win two games in which the offense couldn't score a touchdown.

While fellow veteran quarterback Nick Foles asked to leave the Rams when Goff was drafted, Keenum embraced a mentoring role. That didn't make the inevitable move any easier to take.

''I guess it was going to happen at some point,'' said Keenum, who has completed 61 percent of his throws with 11 interceptions and nine TDs. ''But in my mind, it was my team. That's the way I viewed it. It was my offense, and I took ownership of it.''

Fisher and offensive coordinator Rob Boras are aware they're turning over the keys to an offense ranked 31st in the league in yardage and dead last with 15.4 points per game. The coaches are attempting to manage expectations even before Goff steps on the field, with Fisher already declaring that Sunday ''is not going to define his career.''

''I'm hoping that the game slows down for him, and I think it will,'' Fisher added. ''But there's going to be tough times in this game, because this is a good defense.''

Fisher made the decision to go with Goff, but Boras is charged with making it work while still keeping Keenum involved in game preparation. Boras plans to focus his play-calls on the passing schemes with which Goff has the most comfort.

''When we drafted Jared where we did, everybody knew what was going to happen,'' Boras said. ''It was just a question of when. We're all competitors, and Case is a competitive person. He's not excited about this, but he also understands the situation. ... My heart goes out to Case. Case is a man. If he gets called on again, he will be ready, because that's who he is.''

Goff's arm strength, size and decisiveness are NFL-caliber, but the Rams acknowledge he had a longer learning curve than some passers because of coach Sonny Dykes' offensive style at California, where the quarterback doesn't often take snaps under center or call plays on the field. Several teammates noted Goff's improved confidence in play-calling since his first weeks in LA.

''He isn't making as many hasty throws that can turn into interceptions,'' guard Rodger Saffold said. ''He's better able to read the defenses in practice, and he's making the play calls. He's been more fluid all around.''

Saffold acknowledged ''a little bit'' of surprise at the timing of the change. He realizes Goff's chances should be better in front of his home crowd, which chanted his name two weeks ago when the offense struggled mightily in a loss to Carolina.

''Well, you got what you wanted,'' Saffold said. ''So be out there in full force and support him, and know there's going to be some growing pains.''

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Titans QB Marcus Mariota on a roll
November 16, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Marcus Mariota is feeling more comfortable with every game that passes with the Tennessee Titans.

Considering how he's performed through just 22 career games, that's news the rest of the AFC South and NFL likely don't want to hear.

''He's just getting better and better as we go,'' Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews said Wednesday of Mariota. ''I think that's showing. I think he's going to continue to get better. I don't think we've even seen the best of him yet, so that's kind of scary actually.''

Mariota was chosen AFC Offensive Player of the Week Wednesday after throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-25 win over the Green Bay Packers - his third such award.

The quarterback credited tight end Delanie Walker and running back DeMarco Murray along with his offensive line with helping him put up such numbers.

''I'm really just kind of a result of that,'' Mariota said.

With his latest performance, Mariota became the first quarterback in NFL history to score four total touchdowns in six of his first 22 career starts. It's just part of the numbers the No. 2 pick overall out of Oregon in 2015 has been compiling.

Mariota ranks fifth all-time for most TD passes (33) before turning 23 on Oct. 30, behind Drew Bledsoe and Fran Tarkenton (40), Jameis Winston (39) and Josh Freeman (35). Mariota already has two of the franchise's top three games in terms of passer rating, a stat that doesn't include his perfect 158.3 rating in his NFL debut because he didn't throw at least 20 passes.

He also has matched Warren Moon's 1987 franchise record with at least two TD passes in six straight games, a mark Mariota will have a chance to take for himself Sunday when the Titans (5-5) visit Indianapolis (4-5).

Inside an opponent's 20, Mariota is second only to Brady (130.8) in passer rating at 116.4, having thrown 15 touchdowns. Only Drew Brees of New Orleans (19) has more.

Yes, Mariota is getting more and more comfortable each week.

''You're seeing things for a lot of times a second or third time,'' Mariota said. ''As I continue to grow, I think things will continue to slow down.''

Against Green Bay, Mariota completed his first 10 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He finished with a 149.8 passer rating.

Titans coach Mike Mularkey notes how Tennessee needs the quarterback playing at his best level. Mularkey explained how Mariota threw the ball away when needed and didn't try to do too much.

''We've improved in a lot of areas that have helped him get to that point,'' Mularkey said.

Mariota now has 17 touchdowns and three interceptions over his past six games, along with two TDs rushing. That gives him a 119 passer rating second in the NFL to Tom Brady (125.5) in that span. Colts coach Chuck Pagano saw Mariota Oct. 23 when Indianapolis pulled out a 34-26 win and called the quarterback a great game manager.

''He can beat you with his arm. He can beat you with his legs. He's making great decisions ...'' Pagano said. ''And he's being efficient, he's taking care of the football, and they're spreading things around. He's playing with a great deal of confidence right now, as well as everybody around him.''

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Chiefs' Houston could return Sunday
November 16, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston could make his season debut this weekend against Tampa Bay.

Coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that the four-time Pro Bowler is ''heading in that direction,'' but he also warned that there is no hurry to get Houston onto the field.

Houston had surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee in February.

The Chiefs were without several players at practice Wednesday. Middle linebacker Derrick Johnson is dealing with spasms in his hamstring, cornerback Marcus Peters has a hip pointer, defensive tackle Jaye Howard has a hip flexor, defensive tackle Dontari Poe has swelling in his knee and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin still has a groin strain.

Reid was not sure which will be available against the Buccaneers.

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Dak Prescott: Status quo for Cowboys after Romo's concession
November 16, 2016

FRISCO, Texas (AP) Dak Prescott's interaction with his new backup wasn't much different after Tony Romo's heartfelt speech that conceded the Cowboys' starting job to the rookie quarterback.

Dallas coach Jason Garrett talked matter-of-factly to the 36-year-old about being No. 2 for the first time since Garrett joined the staff in 2007. And tight end Jason Witten, Romo's best friend on the team, wasn't sure what to make of all the fuss.

While the outside world spent two days pondering Romo's retirement or relocation - sometimes both - the Cowboys had another couple of workdays in a regular week.

''I think that was more for y'all than for me or for this team,'' Prescott said Wednesday , a day after Romo said the 23-year-old had earned the right to keep the job that Romo took from Drew Bledsoe in the middle of the 2006 season.

''We know each other, how we feel about the situation. He's been a great leader, a great model for me to look up to and watch every day. So I'm not surprised.''

Prescott will start Sunday against Baltimore (5-4) looking for a franchise season-best ninth straight win, a run that has carried the Cowboys (8-1) to the best record in the NFL.

Romo, whose back injury in a preseason game created the opening for Prescott, is expected to be his backup for the first time in the four-time Pro Bowler's first game on the active roster since last Thanksgiving.

A surprising success as a fourth-round pick that started training camp as a third-stringer, Prescott frequently said early in the winning streak that he was piloting Romo's team. He can't do that anymore since Romo himself has said otherwise. But Prescott still won't call it his team.

''This is our team,'' said Prescott, who is fourth in the NFL in passer rating with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions. ''I said that two minutes ago and I'll say it again. Everybody plays a part in our success in what's happened and they'll play a part in the adversity that comes.''

Garrett, a backup to Troy Aikman when the Cowboys were winning Super Bowls in the 1990s, was the new offensive coordinator in Romo's first full season as the starter before replacing fired coach Wade Phillips three years later, in the middle of the 2010 season.

They have been seen together frequently at sporting events in the offseason, but Garrett had little interest in discussing the impact of Romo's words.

''Our focus is getting ready to play the Ravens,'' Garrett said. ''Tony is a professional. He's done an outstanding job preparing himself for whatever role he's been in since I've been here and that's what the expectation is. He's going to embrace it fully.''

Witten was a third-round pick in 2003, the same year Romo signed as an undrafted free agent. He said he was in the weight room when he found out Romo was addressing reporters , and Witten finally let his exasperation show when someone offered the ''what if'' of Romo having taken his last snap with the Cowboys.

''C'mon guys,'' Witten said. ''I mean, he embodies everything you want. He said it. Let's move forward with the football team. I don't think that's entered my mind and it hasn't entered anybody's mind.''

The 34-year-old Witten was mindful of the difficulty Romo faced in making the speech. And while he and Romo share the reality that their careers are winding down, Witten also has become a valuable target for Prescott. Two weeks ago, he had his first 100-yard game in three years.

''We've been together a long time and Tony's been hurt before,'' Witten said. ''Things come up, so I think you just encourage him and he's always felt like a key part of this team.''

NOTES: TE Geoff Swaim was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury, ending his season. WR Vince Mayle was elevated from the practice squad and is expected to be used as a tight end. The Cowboys signed G Clay DeBord to the practice squad.

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Tannehill's play has Miami riding high
November 16, 2016

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) The Miami Dolphins have won four straight games, are above .500 for the first time under rookie coach Adam Gase, and feature a hot quarterback in Ryan Tannehill.

That's quite a flip from a 1-4 start when Tannehill was the target of countless barbs.

''Everyone criticizes Tannehill,'' said Hall of Famer quarterback Bob Griese, a Dolphins radio analyst. ''But as soon as the offensive line got better, the quarterback got better. And as soon as the running game improved, the quarterback got better. When those things happen, you can throw when you want to and not when you have to.''

Tannehill leads the Dolphins (5-4) against the Rams (4-5) on Sunday in Los Angeles. Miami remained in southern California to practice this week after beating the Chargers last weekend.

The play of Tannehill is a big reason Miami is rolling. During the winning run, Tannehill hasn't turned over the ball.

''I think that's the biggest thing for us right now is taking care of the football (and) not giving the other team opportunities with good field position, and keeping ourselves in the right spot,'' said Tannehill, who's thrown for 2,117 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. ''If we can continue doing that, I think we'll continue to win games.''

The Dolphins struggled at the season's onset. But they rebounded and that speaks volumes to Tannehill.

''I'm proud of the way that guys have battled and the way we faced adversity throughout our season, the way we stuck together and kept battling, kept staying on track, working to get better week in and week out,'' Tannehill said. ''That hunger to succeed - that hunger to win - has been huge for us on our team. I'm excited about where we're at right now.''

Tannehill is in the right spot more often thanks to his work with Gase. The two consistently worked on various aspects of Tannehill's game.

''We're constantly trying to improve,'' Tannehill said. ''There's always something, whether it's feet, moving in the pocket - whatever it is. We're constantly trying to improve and get better.''

Tannehill was nearly at his best Sunday when beating the Chargers 31-24. He completed 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 130.6 quarterback rating. It was the second-highest quarterback rating of Tannehill's career behind only his perfect mark of 158.3 vs. Houston on Oct. 25, 2015.

''I think he's done a good job of decision making,'' Gase said. ''Receivers and him are on the same page, along with the tight ends. I think the protection, you know the line has done a really good job as far as keeping him fairly protected. I know he takes some shots, but there are a couple of times where he knows he's going to get hit because he's holding onto it. He's trying to take a shot down the field.''

Tannehill has been sacked just three times in four games as the unit absorbs Gase's offensive system.

''It's not just me,'' Tannehill said. ''It's the O-line giving me time to make good throws, and receivers being in the right spot and making plays on the football. It takes everyone.''

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Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith wears safety pin for unity
November 16, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is not someone prone to making public statements, especially the kind that could be construed as political, controversial or divisive.

So when he showed up to a news conference after a victory at Carolina last Sunday, and there was a tiny silver safety pin on his shirt, a subtle act intended to promote tolerance stood out.

''It's funny,'' Smith said Wednesday, ''I didn't even think it got noticed at the time.''

Wearing safety pins has become commonplace following the presidential election as people in all walks of life, many of whom are concerned about Donald Trump's proposed policies, have made public their desire for a more inclusive and diverse society.

''I'll tell you what it wasn't: It wasn't anything political. Nothing to do with the presidential election. For me, just everything to do with tolerance, understanding,'' Smith explained before heading out to practice.

''Something I found out about at my kids' school where they were teaching about diversity and tolerance, and I don't know why. Just felt like it was pertinent at the time.''

Some athletes have expressed their dissatisfaction with Trump's election, including Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans, who sat during the national anthem before last week's game against Chicago.

The Chiefs play the Buccaneers this Sunday.

That wasn't Smith's intent, though. The safety pin was meant to draw attention to the divisiveness in the country.

The election may have been part of it, but so has racial discrimination that led to the Black Lives Matter movement, and perceived attacks on sexual orientation and gender equality that have been linked to North Carolina's controversial House Bill 2.

''There's a lot going on right now. Things are crazy. I think there's a lack of understanding across the spectrum between people of different beliefs,'' Smith said. ''It had nothing to do with the presidential election or the outcome and everything to do with tolerance and diversity.''

The Chiefs have supported their players' freedom to speak on social issues.

In the season opener, cornerback Marcus Peters raised a gloved fist during the national anthem in a ''black power salute'' that was reminiscent of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

Peters said the act was meant to increase awareness of racial inequality, and that he stood in solidarity with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been kneeling for the anthem this season.

''That's what is so great about America, right?'' Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. ''The NFL does a great job of letting people express themselves not only on the field as players, but also as people.

''We're just a microcosm of what this country is,'' Reid added. ''It's all healthy. That's what makes this country the greatest place in the world to live.''

Smith said he didn't mean to draw attention away from the win over the Panthers, nor did he want to create a stir in the locker room.

But he did say the locker room can be representative of the kind of tolerance people should embrace, pointing out that the 53 guys on the Chiefs roster come from different states with different social and economic backgrounds and varying religious beliefs.

''Growing up, playing team sports, there's guys in this locker room that think a vast variety of ways,'' Smith said. ''That comes back to respect and understanding, and there's a lot of respect and understanding in this locker room.''

Smith didn't say whether he would continue to wear a pin this season, but he did underscore that he didn't want the small act intended to promote unity to become disruptive.

''Like I said, it's about understanding of all humans. I don't care what you believe, where you stand - Muslim, Jewish, Christian, you name it,'' Smith said.

''I do know it's been tied here or there, but that's certainly not why I wore it. It originated from my kids' school and they're trying to teach about diversity. I wasn't trying to be a distraction.''