The Bum's 2017 NFL Trends/Stats/News/Picks Thru The Super Bowl

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DE Vernon out, WR Shepard questionable
October 20, 2017

The New York Giants ruled out defensive end Olivier Vernon for the third straight week and listed wide receiver Sterling Shepard as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Vernon (ankle), center Weston Richburg (concussion), linebackers Jonathan Casillas (neck) and Calvin Munson (quad) and running back Paul Perkins (ribs) were all ruled out by the team on Friday.

Shepard, who sat out last Sunday night's win in Denver with an ankle injury, was a limited participant in practice throughout the week. He has 22 catches for 263 yards and one touchdown in five games this season.

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Winston starts at QB Sunday for Bucs
October 20, 2017

TAMPA -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed only to watch quarterback Jameis Winston throw footballs one day this week to know he is well enough to start Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Winston, who suffered an AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder in last Sunday's 38-33 loss at Arizona, took every rep with the first-team offense Friday - the first day he had thrown passes since the injury.

"Jameis threw the ball well today. He threw it well," head coach Dirk Koetter said. "He'll be our starter. Jameis is our starter. He'll be out there."

Winston has not missed a start in 37 games in the NFL and has thrown all but 11 passes for the Bucs during that stretch.

Backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, who passed for 290 yards off the bench at Arizona, had taken all the first-team reps Wednesday and Thursday.

In other Bucs injury news, middle linebacker Kwon Alexander will make his first start Sunday at Buffalo since aggravating a hamstring injury in the season opener against Chicago.

Defensive end Robert Ayers, who was limited in practice Thursday with a knee injury, practiced on Friday.

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Panthers LB Kuechly to miss Bears game; Benjamin to play
October 20, 2017

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly will miss Carolina's game against the Chicago Bears while in the concussion protocol. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil are expected to start.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly, who was limited in practice Friday, is ''progressing nicely'' through the concussion protocol. Rivera is hopeful Kuechly can return for next week's game.

Kuechly has missed 10 games in the past three seasons because of concussions.

Benjamin returned to practice Friday after missing two days dealing with a bursa sac issue in his left knee. Rivera said it is ''probable'' Benjamin will play on Sunday.

Kalil hasn't played since the season opener. He is expected to help a struggling running game.

Safety Kurt Coleman is listed as questionable.

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Jaguars RB Fournette ruled questionable
October 20, 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette could miss his first game of the season because of a sprained right ankle.

The Jaguars list Fournette as questionable to play Sunday at Indianapolis. He did not practice all week. Fournette ranks second in the NFL in rushing with 596 yards and is tied for the league lead with seven touchdowns.

Receiver Marqise Lee (knee) and safety Tashaun Gipson (neck) also were listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. Lee and Gipson practiced on a limited basis Friday.

Center Brandon Linder (illness) was ruled out for the third consecutive game. Linder is expected to return after Jacksonville's bye next week.

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Broncos lose third right tackle to injury
October 20, 2017

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos' injury epidemic has gotten drastically worse.

Coach Vance Joseph said Friday that Donald Stephenson tore his left calf muscle at practice a day earlier when linebacker Corey Nelson also suffered a season-ending elbow injury.

Stephenson, the third right tackle to get hurt in a five-day span, and Nelson were expecting big roles Sunday when the Broncos (3-2) visit the Chargers (2-4).

Stephenson was preparing for his first start after Menelik Watson (calf) and backup Billy Turner (hand) were both hurt in Denver's 23-10 loss to the Giants. Turner underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve.

Joseph said 10-year guard Allen Barbre will start at right tackle now.

''It's unfortunate to have as many injuries as we have, but we have a real deep room,'' guard Ron Leary said. ''Guys know that they're going to be playing different positions. We're prepared. We have a great coach. We have a great game plan. We'll just go out and execute on Sunday.

''Allen has played right tackle before. He's ready for the challenge and I know he'll do a great job.''

Also at Thursday's padded practice, newly signed practice squad receiver River Cracraft severely pulled a hamstring and was replaced by ex-Utah receiver Tim Patrick.

The Broncos already were without receivers Cody Latimer (knee), Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and Isaiah McKenzie (ankle).

''I wouldn't say it was a tough practice, but it's tough losing guys,'' receiver Bennie Fowler said. ''It's the NFL, right? It's a physical game. So, you be able to adjust and move forward.''

That's why, he said, nobody was moping around.

''You can't go into any game with a negative mind-set or you'll get a negative outcome,'' Fowler said.

Stephenson missed three games last season with the same injury, which Joseph described as a ''small tear in the lower calf.''

The Chargers own the league's worst run defense but also have two of the game's best edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

Joseph said ''we've got one'' when asked who would serve as his swing tackle Sunday.

''We've got some options there,'' Joseph said. ''We'll be fine. Don't worry.''

That could be practice squader Elijah Wilkinson, a rookie from UMass.

Another practice squad player, inside linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams, a rookie from Hawaii, will be promoted to replace Nelson, whom Joseph said will undergo surgery Monday.

''Corey's had a great year both on defense and on special teams, so that's a big loss for us. But it happens,'' Joseph said. ''We're going to bring Garcia-Williams up tomorrow and we've got one spot that we have to fill.''

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Packers' Aaron Rodgers gives surgery update on Instagram
October 20, 2017


GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers placed Aaron Rodgers on injured reserve Friday after the quarterback had surgery on his broken collarbone.


Rodgers would be eligible to return from injured reserve after eight weeks and able to return to practice after six weeks. But coach Mike McCarthy has said that there is no timeline for Rodgers' return, and that the two-time NFL MVP might miss the rest of the season.


''Everything went very well is my understanding talking with (team doctor Pat McKenzie), and he's recovering,'' McCarthy said Friday morning. The Packers did not practice Friday.


The procedure on Rodgers was done Thursday outside of Green Bay. He was hurt in the first quarter in a 23-10 loss last weekend to the Minnesota Vikings.


Rodgers posted an Instagram message early Friday thanking well-wishers for their ''love, support, thoughts and prayers'' in a photo of himself in a hospital bed.


Rodgers gives a ''hang loose'' sign with his left hand, with bandages covering the area near his injured shoulder. He added the phrase ''comeback starts now'' with a hashtag.


For now, backup Brett Hundley has replaced Rodgers. He will make his first NFL start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints .


Other players declared out for the Saints game include starting safety Morgan Burnett (hamstring) and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (back).


Starting left guard Lane Taylor (ankle) is listed as doubtful, while cornerbacks Davon House (quad) and Damarious Randall (hamstring) are questionable. Center Corey Linsley was added to the injury report on Friday as questionable with a back injury.


But the banged-up Packers did get some good medical news with starting offensive tackles David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and Bryan Bulaga dropping off the injury report. Bulaga has cleared the concussion protocol.


Among other key players, running back Ty Montgomery (ribs), linebacker Nick Perry (hand/knee) and cornerback Kevin King are also expected to play. King has also cleared the concussion protocol.

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Bills WR Matthews questionable vs. Bucs
October 20, 2017

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Bills wide receiver Jordan Matthews is questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a thumb injury.

Matthews participated fully in practice on Friday after being limited the previous two days. Matthews is making his way back from the injury. The receiver underwent thumb surgery after being injured in Buffalo's Week 4 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bills acquired Matthews in a preseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. He could provide a boost to Buffalo's struggling passing attack, which ranks 30th in the NFL.

Matthews has 10 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown in four games.

Cornerbacks E.J. Gaines (groin) and Leonard Johnson (hamstring) are also questionable. Tight end Charles Clay (knee) and linebacker Ramon Humber (thumb) are out.

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Falcons WR Sanu, DE Upshaw expected to play against Patriots
October 20, 2017

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) After being limited by injuries in practice earlier in the week, Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive end Courtney Upshaw are expected to play against the Patriots.

Sanu missed last week's loss to Miami with a hamstring injury. Upshaw has missed three games with ankle/knee injuries. Coach Dan Quinn says the two will have no limitations in Sunday night's game.

Quinn said Friday the only player who will be held out due to an injury is backup linebacker Jordan Tripp (concussion).

The return of Sanu, Atlanta's No. 2 receiver behind Julio Jones, is important to an Atlanta offense that has been held below 20 points in two straight losses.

Linebacker Deion Jones (quadriceps) and defensive end Takk McKinley (shoulder) also are expected to play.

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Murray, Walker, Morgan questionable for Titans vs. Browns
October 20, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans are unsure whether a trio of players will be able to play Sunday when they visit the winless Cleveland Browns.

Running back DeMarco Murray, who tweaked his hamstring for the second time this season Monday night, returned to practice Friday but was limited in his workouts. He will be a game-time decision.

Tight end Delanie Walker (calf injury) was added to the injury report Thursday and was held out of Friday's practice. He is listed as questionable. The Titans will also monitor the progress of linebacker Derrick Morgan (abdominal strain), who was limited in his workouts for the second straight practice

Murray has 313 yards rushing this season through six games, five less than his backup, Derrick Henry, who ran for a career-high 131 yards in 36-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night . Murray was in and out of the lineup in that game bothered by the hamstring.

''I take it one day at a time, no matter what the situation is,'' said Murray, who led the AFC in rushing yards in 2016. ''If it's something I can play through and fight through, then I'll do that and worry about the aftermath when it's done, no matter what the repercussions may be. We'll see how it feels. I'll warm up prior to the game and see how it feels and make a decision from there.''

Murray, who missed all of preseason with the hamstring strain, said he plans to re-evaluate the matter during the Titans' bye next week because he has never had a lingering issue with a hamstring before. He said he will look at all the supplements he takes.

''It's very frustrating,'' he said.

Walker leads the Titans (3-3) with 25 receptions and was held out of practice on Friday. Coach Mike Mularkey said they were ''being smart'' with the veteran.

Murray and Walker are important to what the Titans want to do offensively, Morgan is a presence on the other side of the ball. Morgan leads the Titans with three sacks.

Mularkey said the Titans will evaluate all three players leading up to Sunday's game. Having a bye next week could affect the staff's decisions on whether they could benefit from extra rest.

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Seahawks CB Lane to miss Giants game
October 21, 2017

The Seattle Seahawks downgraded cornerback Jeremy Lane from doubtful to out with a groin injury for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Lane was ruled out by the team on Saturday and will miss his second straight game because of the injury. He missed the Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams and the Seahawks were hoping the bye week allowed him enough time to recover for Sunday's road game.

Lane has nine tackles in four games (all starts) this season. He left the Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts on the opening series with the groin injury.

Rookie Shaquill Griffin is expected to start on the right side for the second straight week.

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Redskins CB Norman ruled out vs. Eagles
October 21, 2017

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman was ruled out for Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles because of a rib injury.

Coach Jay Gruden confirmed Saturday that Norman will miss another game.

Norman was able to practice on a limited basis this week. He suffered a fractured rib in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 2. At the time, he was expected to be sidelined about four weeks.

Cornerback Quinton Dunbar is expected to get the start for Norman.

Norman sustained the injury while making a tackle in the 29-20 loss to the Chiefs in another Monday night game.

The 29-year-old Norman, signed to a five-year, $75 million deal by Washington in April 2016, has 14 tackles, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles through four games this season. He appeared in all 16 games in 2016 for the third time in his first five NFL seasons, registering 67 tackles and three interceptions.

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Sunday's Top 5 Wagers
October 20, 2017

Week 7

Some of the obvious picks are there. You’re taking Jacksonville over Indianapolis, and Minnesota against the horrifyingly bad Ravens. The Saints are easy money against Green Bay while the Titans should run right over the Browns. But there are at least five games that have many people scratching their heads. Here’s what to make of some of the toughest matchups in NFL Week 7 betting.

Odds per BetOnline.ag

Buffalo Bills -3.0 over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A team’s ATS record is – amongst other things – a very strong indicator of how teams are faring against expectations set by oddsmakers and experts. The Bills are 4-1 ATS because everyone thought they’d be awful, and instead they’re awesome. The Bucs are 1-4 ATS because everyone thought they’d be a contender, but they’re nothing more than a pretender.

Simply put, this is a matchup between one of the league’s most profitable bets against one of the worst. The Bucs defence has shown nothing of value, and though Kwon Alexander is expected to play this weekend, I’m not sure he’s the solution.

Jameis Winston has been bad all year, and is still nursing a shoulder injury. It’d be great for Fitzpatrick to come in and haunt his former team, but the Bucs need to see if Winston can be the guy that’s worth extending. The Bills are in line to further cost Winston potential millions down the road. Buffalo off a bye at home is as strong as plays get in Week 7.

Seattle Seahawks -4.5 over New York Giants

The world is terrified of the Giants after they upset the Denver Broncos last weekend, but there’s one big reason that you shouldn’t buy in. The Broncos had no idea what the Giants were going to do against them. There was no telling with an almost completely different personnel out there. Now that the Seahawks have seen what the Giants intend to do, they’ll be in a much better spot.

Seattle is also coming out of a bye week and are typically known as a second half team. They went 3-4 ATS in the fist half last year before a strong 5-2 ATS streak where they seemed untouchable. Whatever has ailed the Seahawks has likely been remedied during their time off.

There are zero metrics to indicate that the Giants have the talent to sustain what they did in Denver. Seattle is a soft favorite here as the travelling team and are worth investing in against a Giants team that is clearly outmatched.

New England Patriots -3.0 over Atlanta Falcons

The biggest game of the week is a rematch of one of the best Super Bowl stories to ever go down. Neither team is doing well, but Atlanta is a shell of itself after losing two home games to Buffalo and Miami. Say what you will about the Patriots, but they’re at least beating opponents that they’re supposed to.

Bettors should always remember that the Pats are a strong bet when playing against a good team at home, despite that loss to Carolina. New England is 12-3-2 ATS when playing in Gillette Stadium against teams with winning records. The Falcons have one of those, but won’t after Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers +6.0 over Dallas Cowboys

There’s too much going on with the Dallas Cowboys to get on board. The Zeke Elliot stuff is a nightmare, and the Niners have become the 2017 team that always seems to rise to the occasion. Of course, they usually fall short in the win column.

The biggest reason to be scared of Dallas is that their run defence is abysmal. They’ve given up 118.0 yards against on the ground, and they’re also one of the leakiest defences near the end zone. Dallas is 29th in points against, allowing 26.4 on average.

Outside of the 23-3 blowout loss the Niners suffered against the Panthers, their point differential is just -2.6 through five games. That’s come against good teams like the Rams, Seahawks and Redskins. They’ve also become a betting darling at 4-2 ATS. Obviously, it’s impossible to suggest that the Niners will win straight up, but a cover against a soft line is well within reach.

San Francisco will also be putting the ball in the hands of rookie C.J. Beathard, who will be handing that rock off to Carlos Hyde a lot. The Cowboys have allowed Denver to run for 178 yards, the Rams to rumble for 168 and Green Bay to go for 160. Carlos Hyde is going to go bonkers. Roll Hyde.

Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 over Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes, I know. All week we’ve been touting the Pittsburgh Steelers as the sleeping giant that finally decided to wake up from its slumber. But – and this is a huge “but” – Cincinnati is not a pushover. Listen, if you’re going to rag on the Bengals because of an awful start where the sky was falling, then you have to do the same with the Steelers. The Raiders just beat the Chiefs. It might not be as hard as we all thought.

The last three games for the Bengals has been awesome. They’re 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS over that slate, having barely lost in overtime to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Outside of that, they’ve clobbered the Browns and grated cheese with Buffalo in a dogfight. The big part of Cincinnati that goes undersold is their big play ability with A.J. Green. He finds ways to get open.

Most of all, you’re hoping that Cincinnati spent the last two weeks realizing that Joe Mixon is the future of the franchise at tailback. The rookie’s phenomenal. This line is way too big because nobody trust Cincinnati and everyone wants Pittsburgh to be a stable entity. It also doesn’t help that the Steelers are 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS in their last five meetings with their storied division rivals.

This is clearly a go-against-the grain type of pick. Until the Steelers show consistency week in and week out, you just can’t trust them. At least the Bengals have been showing strong for three weeks. Plus they’re coming off their bye week as well.

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Best Bets - Week 7 Sides
October 20, 2017

NFL Week 7 Best Bet – Sides

After Week 6 in the NFL had more than a handful of double-digit favorites, Week 7 exemplifies the parity we've seen in the NFL season as no team is favored by more than six points this week. That typically makes for a tough week and if you can get a handle on the outright winners, chances are the spread won't matter.

So with that out of the way, I'd suggest proceeding with caution this week in the NFL, but there is one game I do believe should make the short list for your betting card on Sunday.

Odds per - HeritageSports.eu

Best Bet #1: Miami Dolphins (-3)

All that preseason talk of the New York Jets tanking away 2017 to get the #1 draft pick are nothing but a distant memory now as they enter Week 7 with a 3-3 SU record and are 4-2 ATS. The Jets 4-2 ATS mark is among the better ones in the league this year – and speaking to the crazy results we've had in 2017, the Bears and 49ers are right there with New York at 4-2 ATS – and this line has already dropped a half-point in New York's favor after opening at -3.5. So why am I going against New York here?

Well for one, I still don't believe the Jets are a quality football team at all and their records SU and ATS speak to the soft schedule they've had. Furthermore, four straight weeks of cashing tickets forces the oddsmakers to adjust, and being three-point road underdogs is just too low of a number, despite Miami's anaemic offense so far in 2017.

Secondly, this is Miami's return game against New York after they were basically shut out in the first meeting. The final score of that game reads 20-6 for New York, but Miami's TD came on the final play of the game with no time left. For as bad as Miami has been this year, that was by far their most embarrassing performance and this week they get a chance to rectify it.

With two straight wins themselves – including an outright win as 14-point underdogs in Atlanta last week – the Dolphins appear to have figured a few things out and are riding a high of momentum right now. The effects of the disastrous travel schedule they had to deal with for the first month of the year have subsided, and this could be the game where we actually see Miami's offense resemble a quality NFL unit.

In the end, Miami is just too undervalued this week given the situation they are in and how well their results have been the past two weeks. Winning is hard in the NFL, and while their wins may have looked ugly to most, winning breeds confidence in this league. This Jets team that everyone was talking about as a candidate to be winless, will start to show those colors soon as the schedule toughens up and it begins this week in Miami.

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NFL Injury Report
October 20, 2017

ARIZONA CARDINALS at LOS ANGELES RAMS (London)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

--Questionable: LB Karlos Dansby (hamstring), RB Andre Ellington (quadriceps), DT Robert Nkemdiche (calf), DT Olsen Pierre (ankle), DT Xavier Williams (knee)

LOS ANGELES RAMS

--Doubtful: S Cody Davis (thigh)

--Questionable: LB Mark Barron (thumb)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

--Out: WR Breshad Perriman (concussion), C Matt Skura (knee), RB Terrance West (calf), TE Maxx Williams (ankle), LB Tim Williams (thigh)

--Doubtful: WR Chris Matthews (thigh)

--Questionable: DT Carl Davis (thigh), CB Jaylen Hill (thigh), S Anthony Levine (thigh), WR Jeremy Maclin (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (Achilles), T Ronnie Stanley (mouth), WR Mike Wallace (back), TE Benjamin Watson (knee), S Lardarius Webb (knee), DT Brandon Williams (foot)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

--Out: QB Sam Bradford (knee), WR Stefon Diggs (groin), G Nick Easton (calf)

--Questionable: CB Mackensie Alexander (hip), CB Tramaine Brock (hamstring), WR Michael Floyd (hamstring), T Riley Reiff (ankle)

CAROLINA PANTHERS at CHICAGO BEARS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

--Out: S Demetrious Cox (ankle), LB Luke Kuechly (concussion), T John Theus (concussion), RB Fozzy Whittaker (ankle)

--Questionable: WR Kelvin Benjamin (knee), S Kurt Coleman (knee), K Graham Gano (right knee), DE Charles Johnson (groin), C Ryan Kalil (neck), G Greg Van Roten (shoulder)

CHICAGO BEARS

--Out: WR Markus Wheaton (groin)

--Doubtful: CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), LB John Timu (ankle, knee)

--Questionable: RB Benny Cunningham (hamstring), C Hroniss Grasu (hand), LB Nick Kwiatkoski (chest)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

--Out: WR Tyler Boyd (knee), TE Ryan Hewitt (knee)

--Doubtful: CB Adam Jones (back)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

--Out: DE Stephon Tuitt (back)

--Doubtful: T Marcus Gilbert (hamstring)

DALLAS COWBOYS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

DALLAS COWBOYS

--Out: CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring)

--Questionable: LB Justin Durant (groin)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

--Out: RB Kyle Juszczyk (back), DE Aaron Lynch (calf)

--Questionable: LB Ray-Ray Armstrong (shoulder), LB Brock Coyle (shoulder), LB Reuben Foster (ankle), LB Dekoda Watson (groin)

DENVER BRONCOS at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

DENVER BRONCOS

--Out: WR Cody Latimer (knee), QB Paxton Lynch (right shoulder), WR Isaiah McKenzie (ankle), LB Corey Nelson (elbow), WR Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), T Donald Stephenson (calf), T Menelik Watson (calf)

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

--Questionable: WR Keenan Allen (shoulder), T Joe Barksdale (foot), RB Melvin Gordon (shoulder), DT Corey Liuget (back), S Adrian Phillips (neck, concussion)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

--Out: C Brandon Linder (illness)

--Questionable: RB Leonard Fournette (ankle), S Tashaun Gipson (neck), WR Marqise Lee (knee)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

--Out: QB Andrew Luck (left shoulder), RB Robert Turbin (elbow; placed on reserve/injured Friday)), LB Anthony Walker (hamstring)

--Questionable: TE Darrell Daniels (knee), S T.J. Green (hamstring), C Ryan Kelly (knee)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

--Questionable: T Terron Armstead (shoulder), WR Willie Snead (hamstring)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

--Out: LB Ahmad Brooks (back), S Morgan Burnett (hamstring), QB Aaron Rodgers (right collarbone; placed on reserve/injured Friday), LB Joe Thomas (ankle)

--Doubtful: G Lane Taylor (ankle)

--Questionable: CB Davon House (quadriceps), C Corey Linsley (back), CB Damarious Randall (hamstring)

NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS

NEW YORK JETS

--Out: TE Jordan Leggett (knee)

--Questionable: DE Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder, foot)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

--Doubtful: WR DeVante Parker (ankle)

--Questionable: DE Andre Branch (knee), CB Xavien Howard (ankle), CB Byron Maxwell (foot), C Mike Pouncey (concussion, hip)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at NEW YORK GIANTS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

--Out: DE Cliff Avril (neck; placed on reserve/injured Friday), G Luke Joeckel (knee)

--Doubtful: CB Jeremy Lane (groin)

--Questionable: DE Michael Bennett (heel), DT Nazair Jones (knee), RB C.J. Prosise (ankle), DE Marcus Smith (ankle)

NEW YORK GIANTS

--Out: LB Jonathan Casillas (neck), LB Calvin Munson (quadriceps), RB Paul Perkins (ribs), C Weston Richburg (concussion), DE Olivier Vernon (ankle)

--Questionable: WR Sterling Shepard (ankle)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at BUFFALO BILLS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

--Out: S Josh Robinson (concussion), DE Ryan Russell (shoulder)

--Questionable: LB Kwon Alexander (hamstring), DE Robert Ayers (knee), LB Lavonte David (ankle), LB Adarius Glanton (hamstring), DE Noah Spence (shoulder), S Keith Tandy (hip), S T.J. Ward (hip), QB Jameis Winston (right shoulder; announced he will start)

BUFFALO BILLS

--Out: TE Charles Clay (knee), LB Ramon Humber (thumb)

--Questionable: CB E.J. Gaines (groin), CB Leonard Johnson (hamstring), WR Jordan Matthews (thumb)

TENNESSEE TITANS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

TENNESSEE TITANS

--Out: S Johnathan Cyprien (hamstring), WR Corey Davis (hamstring)

--Questionable: LB Derrick Morgan (abdomen), RB DeMarco Murray (hamstring), TE Delanie Walker (calf)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

--Out: LB James Burgess (knee)

--Questionable: WR Kenny Britt (knee, groin), WR Sammie Coates (hamstring), CB Jason McCourty (ankle), S Jabrill Peppers (toe)

ATLANTA FALCONS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS on Sunday night

ATLANTA FALCONS

--Out: LB Jordan Tripp (concussion)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

--Out: CB Stephon Gilmore (concussion, ankle), LB Harvey Langi (back), CB Eric Rowe (groin)

--Questionable: CB Johnson Bademosi (abdomen), TE Jacob Hollister (chest), LB Elandon Roberts (ankle)

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NFL notebook: Packers place QB Rodgers on injured reserve
October 20, 2017

The Green Bay Packers placed quarterback Aaron Rodgers on injured reserve Friday, one day after he underwent surgery to repair his broken right collarbone.

Rodgers was injured in the first quarter of last Sunday's 23-10 loss at Minnesota after taking a hard hit from Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr.

Though the Packers placed Rodgers on IR, they still could bring him back after eight weeks and give him a chance to return for the Week 15 game at Carolina on Dec. 17.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy indicated that was one of the discussion points prior to the decision being announced.

Backup quarterback Brett Hundley will make his first NFL start on Sunday for the Packers, who are tied with the Vikings at 4-2 for first place in the NFC North.

--The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed only to watch quarterback Jameis Winston throw footballs one day this week to know he is well enough to start Sunday's game at Buffalo.

Winston, who suffered an AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder in last Sunday's 38-33 loss at Arizona, took every rep with the first-team offense Friday -- the first day he had thrown passes since the injury.

Winston has not missed a start in 37 games in the NFL and has thrown all but 11 passes for the Bucs during that stretch.

In other Bucs' injury news, middle linebacker Kwon Alexander will make his first start Sunday at Buffalo since aggravating a hamstring injury in the season opener against Chicago.

--The Carolina Panthers ruled out middle linebacker Luke Kuechly for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears as he remained in the NFL's concussion protocol.

Kuechly suffered a concussion in last Thursday night's 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He did not get clearance over the last week for practice, even though he was seen participating in some individual drills.

Kuechly missed three games in 2015 and six games last season after suffering concussions. Coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly is "progressing nicely through the protocol."

Kuechly, 26, has 46 tackles (29 solo), two pass breakups, one forced fumble and an interception in six games this season.

--Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr did get fined by the NFL, but not for the offense some expected.

Barr drew considerable attention for the hit he put on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last Sunday, a blow that broke Rodgers' collarbone, causing him to be placed on injured reserve Friday.

Apparently the NFL had no problem with that hit, however, because Barr was not fined for that. Rather Barr was fined $9,115 for head-butting Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, according to reports from multiple media outlets Friday.

Also, Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was fined of $24,309 for an illegal blindside block, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

--The Indianapolis Colts placed running back Robert Turbin on the injured reserve list after he suffered a dislocated left elbow in Monday night's loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The 5-foot-10, 216-pound Turbin played in all six games (one start) for Indianapolis this season with 23 carries for 53 yards and one touchdown. He also caught nine passes for 56 yards.

Turbin, 27, was escorted to the locker room in the 36-22 loss on Monday after a 9-yard reception with 2:30 left in the game. He tried to brace himself with his left arm before he was tackled.

In a corresponding move, the Colts elevated running back Josh Ferguson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

--The New York Giants ruled out defensive end Olivier Vernon for the third straight week and listed wide receiver Sterling Shepard as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Vernon (ankle), center Weston Richburg (concussion), linebackers Jonathan Casillas (neck) and Calvin Munson (quad) and running back Paul Perkins (ribs) were all ruled out by the team on Friday.

Shepard, who sat out last Sunday night's win in Denver with an ankle injury, was a limited participant in practice throughout the week. He has 22 catches for 263 yards and one touchdown in five games this season.

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Gridiron Angles - Week 7
October 21, 2017

NFL PLAY ON ATS TREND:

-- The Saints are 10-0 ATS (5.8 ppg) since January 2014 on the road off a home game where they scored at least 30 points.

NFL PLAY AGAINST TREND:

-- The Jets are 0-11 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since Jan 12, 2002 when they are playing a team they beat as a dog in their last meeting earlier in the season.

TOP NFL PLAYER TREND:

-- Teams are 0-8 OU (-8.3 ppg) since Dec 12, 2013 coming off a game where Eric Decker had at least seven receptions.

NFL O/U UNDER TREND:

-- The Bengals are 0-11 OU (-8.1 ppg) since December 20, 2015 when the total is under 42.

NFL O/U OVER TREND:

-- The Colts are 10-0 OU (9.1 ppg) since January 11, 2014 as a dog off a game where they allowed at least 400 total yards.

NFL BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The 49ers are 0-12 ATS (-6.8 ppg) at home vs a non-divisional opponent when their last two games were on the road and they are off a loss as a dog.

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Total Talk - Week 7
October 21, 2017

Week 6 Recap

The ‘over’ produced an 8-6 mark last week and the 52-38 victory by the Saints over the Lions was the most combined points scored in a game this season. While I feel sorry for those who had the ‘over’ in the Jets-Patriots matchup, we did see some late surges in a couple games that burned ‘under’ tickets. Through six weeks, our totals numbers have us looking at a stalemate (45-45-1).

Keep an Eye On

-- The NFL International Series returns in Week 7 as Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams will meet at Twickenham Stadium from London, England. The ‘over’ has gone 10-9 in these matchups since it began and that includes a 1-1 mark this season. The Rams have made the trip overseas twice and they only managed to score a combined 17 points, which contributed to a pair of losses. Arizona has never played in this event. Make a note that this game will start at 1:00 p.m. ET instead of the usual morning kickoff from the UK.


-- Pittsburgh (6-0) and Miami (5-0) remain the only teams to see all of their games go ‘under’ the total.

-- The L.A. Rams and Indianapolis have both watched the ‘over’ go 5-1 while the Saints are right behind them with a 4-1 mark to the high side. I’m not surprised by New Orleans leaning ‘over’ but I would expect Colts to balance out as the season progresses. The Rams are ranked second in big plays and as long as they keep those rolling, they’ll continue to score points.

-- Teams playing off the bye last week watched the ‘over/under’ go 2-2. The quartet also went 2-2 straight up but just 1-3 against the spread. Buffalo, Cincinnati, Dallas and Seattle will all be playing with rest on Sunday.

-- The ‘over’ has gone 4-2 this season in games where a West Coast club (SF, ARI, LAR, SEA, OAK) has played in the Eastern Time Zone and that includes a 2-0 mark last week (Rams, 49ers). This Sunday, Seattle heads to the New York Giants.

-- There have been nine totals close in the thirties this season and the ‘under’ has gone 5-4 in those games. For Week 7, we have two games that could likely close in that neighborhood – Baltimore at Minnesota, N.Y. Jets at Miami. Meanwhile, we’ve had 11 totals close in the fifties and the ‘over’ has gone 6-5 in those games.

-- You certainly had to work for it but the “Road Total System” wound up connecting last week on the 49ers-Redskins matchup. The popular betting angle will return with a pair of games in Week 9 and hopefully the 42-20-1 (67%) keeps going up.

-- Another angle that was golden a couple seasons ago was the “Thursday Night Football” total system but it was hit or miss last year. For new users to this column – it’s fairly simple to follow.

Find out who played at home the previous Thursday and play the ‘over’ in their next game, regardless of the venue.

It started 2-2 this season but has cashed the last two weeks with Green Bay-Dallas hitting in Week 5 and the Tampa Bay-Arizona outcome pushing the record to 4-2 (67%) last week.

This Sunday, Carolina at Chicago fits the situation since the Panthers hosted the Eagles last Thursday at home.

Line Moves

Listed below are the largest line moves as of Saturday morning based off the Week 7 openers posted last Sunday at BookMaker.eu.

Baltimore at Minnesota: 39 ½ to 38
Arizona at L.A. Rams: 47 ½ to 45 (London)
Denver at L.A. Chargers: 43 ½ to 40 ½
Atlanta at New England: 53 ½ to 56

Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu explained this week’s position at their betting shop, including the big drop in the Broncos-Chargers matchup. “I’m definitely a bit surprised by the heavy under action in this one. It just feels like every time the Chargers get on the field these days we’re going to see scoring in bunches. I think the public bettors still believe in the Denver defense, but they also like to play Chargers overs so that money should even out this liability a bit,” he said.

While that number has been going down, bettors are expecting more fireworks between the Falcons and Patriots in their Super Bowl rematch on Sunday night. “I’m not surprised at all by the jump up,” said Cooley. “Perception of these two teams remains offensive-driven and everyone remembers what happened last February. Squares could care less what’s happened this year, they’re only pulling from that amazing Super Bowl when lining up to bet this one.”

Cooley noted that they also have liability on the overseas game this week between the Rams and Cardinals as the professional bettors like to lean ‘under’ in these matchups.

Cryptocurrencies help Bettors

Divisional Action

Betting the low side in divisional contests has been very profitable so far with the ‘under’ going 19-8 (70%) and that includes a 3-1 record last week. I’d like to believe things balance out and perhaps this past Thursday’s outcome (31-30) between Kansas City and Oakland is a sign of things to come.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis: The ‘under’ has gone 3-0 in the last three meetings between the pair at Lucas Oil Stadium. The ‘over’ is 3-0 in the previous three encounters from Florida. Indy has shown more punch offensively at home (23.3 PPG) and for what it’s worth, Jacksonville hasn’t lost two straight this season and they’ve posted 44 and 30 after their first two setbacks.

Arizona at L.A. Rams: Los Angeles still leads the league in scoring with 29.8 points per game and even though the Cards posted 35 last week, their road numbers (15.3 PPG) haven’t been great. There are no significant total trends between the pair in the last 10 meetings (5-5) and the venue change (see above) would have me treading lightly on this game.

N.Y. Jets at Miami: Quick rematch game here with New York capturing a 20-6 home win over Miami in Week 3. The ‘under’ (42 ½) easily cashed in that game, which snapped a 3-0 ‘over’ run in this series. The Dolphins ‘under’ success this season comes from a poor offense (12.2 PPG) and great defense (16.8 PPG). New York has also been a solid ‘under’ (4-2) bet and the same factors have helped that record.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: I don’t think this total will dip below 40 but our betting trends are showing a heavy lean to the ‘under’ by the masses. On paper, the lean seems obvious knowing Pittsburgh (19.7 PPG) and Cincinnati (16.8 PPG) haven’t shown much pop offensively. More importantly, the Bengals (16.6 PPG) and Steelers (17 PPG) are ranked second and fourth in scoring defense respectively. The ‘under’ is on a 5-1 run in this series. However, those totals ranged from 45 ½ to 49 ½ points. Cincy has gone 2-2 in its last four games off its bye week and they averaged 17.5 PPG with all of the games taking place on the road.

Denver at L.A. Chargers: These teams met in Week 1 and the Broncos captured a 24-21 home win over the Chargers as the ‘over’ (41 ½) snuck in late. After that victory, Denver scored 42 at home versus Dallas but has posted 16, 16 and 10 the last three weeks and the unit doesn’t look sharp at all. The Chargers have watched the ‘under’ go 2-1 in their new digs and they’ve been inconsistent on offense as well. These teams have combined for an average of 37.3 PPG in their last six games, which has resulted in a 3-3 total mark.

Washington at Philadelphia: (See Below)

Under the Lights

The ‘over’ went 2-1 in the primetime games last week and the high side sits at 12-8 (60%) on the season which includes this past Thursday’s high-scoring affair in Oakland between the Chiefs and Raiders. Including that result, KC is 4-0 to the ‘over’ in games played under the lights this season.

Atlanta at New England: The SB rematch isn’t an easy total to handicap. The number is definitely inflated and as bad as New England’s defense (26.5 PPG, 440 YPG) has been, the unit has only allowed 14 and 17 points the last two weeks. Something isn’t clicking with Atlanta’s offense but they did just face two very good defensive units in the Bills and Dolphins. Plus, the Falcons have played much better (400 YPG, 26.5 PPG) in their two road games. New England has gone 3-0 ‘over’ at home, allowing 42, 33 and 33. The X-factor for me in this game is the Atlanta defense, which is underrated and it did shut down New England last February for three quarters before running out of gas.

Washington at Philadelphia: The Eagles earned a 30-17 road win over the Redskins in Week 1 and the ‘under’ (49 ½) cashed. The game was very sloppy (six turnovers) and neither team was able to run the football. It’s tough to score on Philadelphia at home and seven of the last 10 games played at Lincoln Financial Field have gone ‘under’ the number. However, Washington QB Kirk Cousins has played three times in his career at Philly and he’s helped the Redskins score 34, 38 and 27 points. Prior to the ‘under’ in Week 1, the ‘over’ had cashed in three straight between the pair.

Fearless Predictions

It took six weeks, but I finally swept the board ($400) and the bankroll (+130) is up on the season. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!

Odds per Heritage Sports

Best Over: Cincinnati-Pittsburgh 40 ½

Best Under: Tampa Bay-Buffalo 45

Best Team Total: Atlanta Over 26 ½

Three-Team Total Teaser (8.5-Point, +100)
Over 32 Carolina-Chicago
Over 48 Atlanta-New England
Over 41 ½ Washington-Philadelphia

[StarDust Bum]

SuperContest Picks - Week 7
October 21, 2017

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

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

This year's contest has 2,748, which is an all-time record.

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

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6

Week 7

1) Cincinnati +5.5 (810)
2) Green Bay +5.5 (803)
3) Carolina -3 (750)
4) Denver +1.5 (729)
5) San Francisco +6.5 (687)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 7 MATCHUPS & ODDS
Away Team Selections Home Team Selections
Kansas City (-3) 309 Oakland (+3) 215
Tennessee (-5.5) 521 Cleveland (+5.5) 234
Jacksonville (-3.5) 388 Indianapolis (+3.5) 394
Cincinnati (+5.5) 810 Pittsburgh (-5.5) 242
Baltimore (+5.5) 372 Minnesota (-5.5) 428
N.Y. Jets (+3) 319 Miami (-3) 490
Tampa Bay (+3.5) 251 Buffalo (-3.5) 588
Carolina (-3) 750 Chicago (+3) 301
New Orleans (-5.5) 362 Green Bay (+5.5) 803
Arizona (+3.5) 607 L.A. Rams (-3.5) 387
Dallas (-6.5) 320 San Francisco (+6.5) 687
Seattle (-5.5) 250 N.Y. Giants (+5.5) 566
Denver (+1.5) 729 L.A. Chargers (-1.5) 379
Atlanta (+3.5) 665 New England (-3.5) 294
Washington (+5) 681 Philadelphia (-5) 293


WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS
Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage
1 0-5 0-5 0%
2 3-2 3-7 30%
3 2-3 5-10 33%
4 4-1 9-11 45%
5 1-4 10-15 40%
6 2-3 12-18 40%

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Essential Week 7 betting tidbits and odds for NFL Sunday

Le'Veon Bell and the Steelers are 19-7-2 against the spread in their last 28 meetings with the rival Bengals. Pittsburgh is a 5.5-point home fave this time around.

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3, 38)

Points are hard to come by for the Miami Dolphins. The Jay Cutler-led offense ranks last in points per game at 12.2 and the under is 5-0 in Miami games this season.

Don’t expect a spike in touchdowns this week against the Jets. Dolphins deep-threat DaVante Parker is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game because of an ankle injury.

LINE HISTORY: Most books opened with the Fish as 3-point favorites with a bit of extra juice to back the home side, although there were a few 3.5s on the board. Miami remains 3-point chalk heading into the weekend. The total opened as high as 39 but all shops are dealing 38.5 or 38.

TRENDS:

*The Jets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
*The Jets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games against Miami.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills (-3, 44)

Jameis Winston will be the starting quarterback for the Bucs on Sunday at Buffalo against the Bills. Winston sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder last weekend against the Arizona Cardinals and was forced to sit out.

He didn’t practice much during the week but head coach Dirk Koetter saw enough from Winston during Friday’s practice to tell reporters his No. 1 QB would be under center against the Bills. The Bucs will turn to veteran signal caller Ryan Fitzpatrick should Winston’s injury worsen against the Bills.

LINE HISTORY: Not much history to this line. Sportsbooks opened the spread today after news broke that Winston would in fact start at quarterback for TB.

TRENDS:

*The Bucs are 0-4 ATS in their last four games.
*The Over is 9-1 in the Bills’ last 10 home games.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (+3, 43.5)

Before you bet on this game you might want to check on Jags running back Leonard Fournette’s status. He missed the last three days of practice this week with a bad right ankle but head coach Doug Marrone won’t rule out the possibility of Fournette taking the field on Sunday.

Fournette’s 732 yards from scrimmage account for 35 percent of Jacksonville’s total offensive yards gained this season and he’s scored seven of his team’s 14 touchdowns.

LINE HISTORY: Mostly all Jags -3 on the betting board but we did see a few -3.5 earlier in the week. The total opened at 44 and has been bet down to 43.5.

TRENDS:

*The Jags are 4-0 ATS in their last four games against the Colts.
*The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 matchups between these two sides.
*The Over is 4-0 in the Colts’ last four games.

Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5, 38.5)

The Ravens have a long history of stout defenses over the years but there’s no question which team has the better stopper unit in this matchup. The Vikings are allowing the fifth fewest offensive yards per game and their third down defense is a big part of the reason. Minnesota’s opponent third down conversion rate is the lowest in the NFL at 25 percent.

LINE HISTORY: There’s been a fair amount of movement and different spreads offered on this game throughout the week. Some shops opened with the Ravens getting 4.5 points and, as we head into the weekend, there are a few 6s on the board.

TRENDS:

*The Vikings are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games.
*The Ravens are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-3, 45)

This is the Rams third ever game across the pond in London and second in as many years. They’re 0-2 straight up and against the spread in their previous games in England.

First year head coach Sean McVay is trying a different travel schedule than the one used by his predecessor a year ago. The Rams stayed in Jacksonville after their game on Sunday and didn’t leave for London until Thursday. Last year, former head coach Jeff Fisher had his team leave for London immediately after their game at Detroit.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the Rams as 3.5-point chalk but many sportsbooks are now offering it at a field goal spread. The total was originally posted at 47.5 and has been bet down to 46.

TRENDS:

*The Rams are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
*The Over is 7-1 in the Rams’ last eight games overall.

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (+4, 47.5)

The Packers usually don’t do very well they use Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay is 3-5 straight up and 2-6 against the spread without Rodgers since he took over the starting duties under center in 2008.

The Packers aren’t accustomed to getting points at Lambeau Field. New Orleans is only the second team to be favored at Green Bay since the start of the 2014 season.

LINE HISTORY: The line was as high as Saints by six and as low as Packers +4. Most shops are dealing the 4-point line entering the weekend. The total can be found at 47.5 and 48.

TRENDS:

*The Saints are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 road games.

*The Packers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games.

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (+3, 40.5)

The Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly will not play this weekend against the Chicago Bears. He’s still in concussion protocol after a blow to the head during Week 6 Thursday Night Football against the Eagles.

Carolina is 6-3 ATS in games with Kuechly over the last couple seasons and the under is 5-2-2 in those nine games.

LINE HISTORY: The Panthers opened as 3-point road favorites and there are a few shops now listing them as 3.5-point chalk. The total is holding steady between 40.5 and 41.

TRENDS:

*The Bears are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games.
*The over is 4-0 in the Panthers’ last four games overall.

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (+5.5, 45.5)

You know things have to be bad at the quarterback position if the Browns are sending rookie DeShone Kizer back out back out as the starter. The lowest qualified quarterback rating each year is normally in the mid to high 60s.

Ryan Fitzpatrick had the worst mark last season at 69.6 while Peyton Manning had it the year prior at 67.9. Kizer is carrying a 49.5 rating through five starts this season. That’s 16.6 points below next worst Joe Flacco at 66.1.

LINE HISTORY: The Browns opened as 5.5-point home dogs but many books are now starting to offer Tennessee -6. The total opened at 46.5 and is moving down at some locations by a point to 45.5.

TRENDS:

*The Titans are 5-23-3 in their last 31 games against teams with losing records.
*The Browns are 6-25-1 ATS in their last 32 games.

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (+6, 48.5)

At the beginning of the week we were told Ezekiel Elliot would not play this weekend and his six-game suspension would start immediately, but his lawyers were able to get a hearing from an appeals board and he won’t have to serve the suspension until the hearing. That means Zeke will play against the Niners and probably against Washington in Week 8 too.

Elliott has rushed for 80 or more yards in four of Dallas’ five games but the team is still 2-3 SU and ATS on the season.

LINE HISTORY: The Cowboys opened as 6-point road faves and a few shops have bumped them up a half point to 6.5. The total opened at 47 and now rests at 48.

TRENDS:

*The Cowboys are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
*The 49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
*The Under is 12-3 in the Cowboys last 15 road games.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5, 40.5)

The Bengals just might have all the tools to make it another difficult day at the office for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Cincy gets pressure on opposing quarterbacks at a league-leading rate of 34 percent this campaign (hat tip to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell).

Big Ben has been pressured on only 15.2 percent of his dropbacks but he owns just a 72.5 passer rating when facing a blitz.

LINE HISTORY: The spread opened with the home side giving six points but it’s come down to Steelers -5 as we enter the weekend. The total opened at 42.5 and has dropped to 40.5.

TRENDS:

*The Under is 5-1 in the last six games between these two sides.
*The Bengals are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (Pick, 40.5)

The Chargers are returning home but that might not be a good thing. The team is still seeking its first win since moving its home from San Diego to Los Angeles. The Bolts are 0-3 SU and ATS at the StubHub Center in Carson – a stadium normally used for housing MLS games – not NFL ones.

The Chargers have always had one of the weaker home field advantages in the NFL – even when they played in San Diego. The club is 5-18 ATS in its last 23 home games.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the Chargers giving a point but it moved down to a pick and a few shops now even list the Broncos as 1-point faves. The total opened at 42.5 but has been bet down to 41.

TRENDS:

*The road team is 10-3-2 ATS in the last 15 games played between these two divisional rivals.

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants (+4, 40)

The Giants already showed their offense was pretty vanilla this season, but losing wideout Odelll Beckham Jr. removes a big-play element that will be sorely missed against the Seahawks.
Seattle’s defense surrenders touchdowns when their opponents are inside the red zone only 23 percent of the time. That’s the best mark in the league. Eli Manning will find it difficult to dink and dunk passes once the end zone approaches.

LINE HISTORY: The Seahawks opened as 6-point road favorites but the line is dropping at all books – so as low as Seattle -4. The total opened at 38.5 and has been moved up a point or a point and a half depending on the sportsbook.

TRENDS:

*The Seahawks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
*The Under is 5-1 in the Giants’ last six home games.

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots (-3, 56.5)

Matt Ryan does not look like the league MVP from a year ago. He’s thrown as many interceptions as he has touchdowns and the Falcons have lost two straight SU and ATS – both at home against mediocre AFC East competition.

Ryan finished last season with a 117.1 QB rating. This season he’s carrying around an 87.3 rating – a 29.8 rating drop. Getting No. 2 receiver Mohamed Sanu back in the fold on Sunday should give Ryan a boost.

LINE HISTORY: The big movement in this game came on the total. The over/under line opened as low as 53.5 and is now as high as 56.5.

TRENDS:

*Atlanta is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 road games.
*The Over is 8-2 in New England’s last 10 games overall.

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NFL

Sunday, October 22

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Sunday Night Football Betting Preview and Odds: Falcons at Patriots
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Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots (-3, 56.5)

Just another regular-season game? Try convincing the Atlanta Falcons, who have to blot out the stinging memory of the biggest one that got away when they visit the New England Patriots on Sunday night for a rematch of last season's Super Bowl. For those living in a cave, Atlanta led the Patriots by 25 points in the third quarter before losing in overtime.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn knows his team cannot be too preoccupied with exacting revenge, particularly since it has dropped its last two games - both at home and both to AFC East opponents - and blew a 17-point lead in last week's stunning 20-17 loss to Miami. "It's not anything that you need to use for motivation," Quinn told reporters. "You don't get to go replay it. Yeah, there's a part of that that's motivation, for sure, but it wasn't a driving force for us." New England coach Bill Belichick isn't one for sentiment and doesn't want the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history to be a topic of conversation - particularly when his team already has lost twice at home this season. “We’ve been given really highly strict rules that we are not allowed to talk about that game, so you’re not really going to get any information from anyone about that," tight end Rob Gronkowski told reporters.

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

POWER RANKINGS: Falcons (-1.5) - Patriots (-4.5) + home field (-3) = Patriots -6

LINE HISTORY: The Patriots opened as 4.5-point home faves and money started to come in on the Falcons pushing the line down as low as three at most books. The total hit the betting board 54 and that wasn’t high enough for bettors and has been bet up as high as 56.5.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: ‘This is most likely the game Atlanta will want the most this season. The problem, though, is the Falcons’ offense is down 10 PPG from last season which won’t frighten the Patriots pathetic defense. Should the Dirty Birds offense play back to last year’s level you can look for a well-lit scoreboard in this shoot-out.’ Marc Lawrence

WHAT BOOKS SAY:’Sharps hit the Falcons early so they haven't backed off from the initial position they had for the Super Bowl. Total has ballooned up as perception of these two teams remains offensive-driven and everyone remembers what happened last February. Squares could care less what’s happened this year, they’re only pulling from that amazing Super Bowl when lining up to bet this one.’ Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu.

INJURY REPORT:

Falcons - WR Mohamed Sanu (Probable, Hamstring), K Matt Bryant (Probable, Back), LB Jordan Tripp (Questionable, Concussion), LB Vic Beasley (Questionable, Hamstring), LB Deion Jones (Questionable, Quadricep), DE Takkarist McKinley (Questionable, Shoulder), LB Duke Riley (Questionable, Knee), DT Courtney Upshaw (Questionable, Ankle), LB Jermaine Grace (Questionable, Hamstring), CB Jalen Collins (Eligible Week 12, Suspension), S Quincy Mauger (Questionable, Knee).

Patriots - WR Chris Hogan (Probable, Ribs), CB Stephen Gilmore (Questionable, Concussion), LB Elandon Roberts (Questionable, Ankle), OL Shaq Mason (Questionable, Shoulder), RB Rex Burkhead (Questionable, Ribs), DB Eric Rowe (Questionable, Groin), LB Harvey Langi (Questionable, Back), LB Shea McClellin (Questionable Week 9, Undisclosed), OL Andrew Jelks (Questionable Week 10, Knee), OL Tony Garcia (Questionable Week 10, Illness), DT Vincent Valentine (Questionable Week 11, Knee).

ABOUT THE FALCONS (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS, 2-3 O/U): Matt Ryan established career highs in passer rating (117.1) and yards (4,944) en route to winning NFL MVP honors last season, but he's thrown for as many interceptions as touchdowns (six) after tossing 38 scoring passes versus only seven picks a year ago. Quinn said there will be an emphasis on getting the ball into the hands of stud wideout Julio Jones, who has 25 receptions on the season but has yet to reach the end zone. Atlanta has a potent two-pronged backfield featuring Devonta Freeman (five TDs) and Tevin Coleman, who have combined for 566 rushing yards through five games. Nose tackle Grady Jarrett notched three sacks in the Super Bowl but has yet to post one this season.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS, 4-2 O/U): Tom Brady threw for 466 yards in the stirring Super Bowl comeback and has continued to air it out this season, leading the NFL with 1,959 yards while throwing for 13 touchdowns against only two interceptions. Brady will have the benefit of looking for Gronkowski, who missed the Super Bowl but has 26 receptions and four touchdowns in five games. Mike Gillislee has been the lead back for much of the season, but Dion Lewis had a season-high 11 carries and rushed for 52 yards and a score against the Jets. New England's defense still ranks last in the NFL with 440.7 yards allowed per game but has yielded a total of 31 points over the last two weeks.

TRENDS:

* Patriots are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

* Over is 8-1 in Falcons last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.

* Over is 6-1 in Patriots last 7 games following a straight up win.

* Falcons are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The Covers public is siding with the home chalk Patriots at a rate of 51 percent and the Over is picking up 65 percent of the totals action.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TEN at CLE 01:00 PM
CLE +5.5
O 43.0 *****

CAR at CHI 01:00 PM
CHI +3.0 *****
U 40.0 *****

NO at GB 01:00 PM
NO -3.5
U 46.0 *****

JAC at IND 01:00 PM
IND +3.0
O 41.0 *****

NYJ at MIA 01:00 PM
MIA -3.0 *****
O 39.5

BAL at MIN 01:00 PM
BAL +4.0 *****
O 37.5

ARI at LAR 01:00 PM
ARI +3.0
U 46.0 *****

TB at BUF 01:00 PM
BUF -3.0 *****
U 46.0


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PlacedDescriptionRiskingTo Win
10/22/2017
09:41 AM
PARLAY (6 TEAMS)
10.00
440.55

Risk: 10.00 - Win: 440.55

NFL - [453] TOTAL o41 1.90 (Jacksonville Jaguars vrs Indianapolis Colts)
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

NFL - [457] Baltimore Ravens +5 1.86
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

NFL - [466] TOTAL u46 1.86 (New Orleans Saints vrs Green Bay Packers)
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

NFL - [462] Buffalo Bills -3 1.85
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

NFL - [462] TOTAL u46 1.95 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers vrs Buffalo Bills)
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

NFL - [451] TOTAL o42.5 1.90 (Tennessee Titans vrs Cleveland Browns)
Game start 10/22/2017 10:00 AM

[StarDust Bum]

Late Afternoon Games:

DAL at SF
SF +6.0 *****
O 48.0 *****

CIN at PIT 04:25 PM
CIN +4.0
U 40.0 *****

SEA at NYG 04:25 PM
SEA -3.5
O 39.0 *****

DEN at LAC 04:25 PM
DEN -1.0 *****
O 41.0 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday Night Bailout Best Bet and 2 Team Parlay:

ATL at NE 08:30 PM

NE -3.0 *****

O 56.5*****