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

[StarDust Bum]

For real now: Eagles, Panthers, Rams, Texans, Saints, Jets
October 16, 2017

Six weeks of success, some of it relative, do not provide a harbinger for the rest of the NFL season.

Nonetheless, it's necessary to praise the work of the Eagles, Panthers, Rams, Texans, Saints and Jets. For now, they are for real.

Who expected that?

In the case of the Jets (3-3), that doesn't mean they are contenders for a playoff berth, possibly not even for a winning season. A look at their roster and offseason moves made folks wonder if Gang Green was about to tank the season to get a high enough draft choice to find their franchise quarterback.

Instead, after opening with two defeats they won three in a row and, perhaps most impressively, might have been a strange officiating reversal away from knocking off New England on Sunday and taking sole possession of the AFC East lead. They are an example of bold and passionate overachievement, something any sports fan can appreciate.

''We're just going to build off the game,'' cornerback Buster Skrine said of the 24-17 loss. ''We lost the game. We give them all the credit. We're just going to build off it. Nobody's hanging their head.

''We're a confident team and we have good team chemistry. We stuck together that whole game despite what was going on in the second half. We grew as a team.''

The chances of the other teams that so far have proved themselves beyond expectations certainly have grown. Here's who and why:

EAGLES (5-1)

Despite some key injuries - yes, everyone seems to have those - Philadelphia has been, well, phantastic. This is an opportunistic bunch gaining momentum weekly. Already 2-0 in the NFC East, the Eagles' only loss was at Kansas City. No sin there.

Carson Wentz appears to be maturing week by week; some believe he is the best of the growing group of young quarterbacks in the NFL. The defense makes big plays, specials teams are as good as anyone's, and the coaching is spot-on. Everyone seems to fit Doug Pederson's system - coincidentally a similar scheme to what Andy Reid often used and often was criticized for in tough Philly.

PANTHERS (4-2)

Yes, they fell to Philadelphia and have lost twice at home, but we can dismiss that because road teams have won a majority of games this season and Carolina is 3-0 in away contests. These are not the blow-your-doors-off Panthers of 2015 who nearly went unbeaten through the regular season. They are more inconsistent than those NFC champions.

What they are is resilient, something they've learned well from two-time Coach of the Year Ron Rivera, who must be in consideration for another of those awards should the Panthers keep this up, especially in their rugged division.

Cam Newton lost his best target, tight end Greg Olsen, then has helped elevate the play of others (rookie Christian McCaffrey, Devin Funchess) to make up for it. Carolina has two supreme playmakers in LB Luke Kuechly and sackmaster Julius Peppers anchoring the best defense in the NFC South.

RAMS (4-2)

Other than the Jets, the revival of the Rams through six weeks is the most surprising. Then again, the combination of a new coach - Sean McVay, the youngest head coach in league history at 31 - working with a top overall draft pick in quarterback Jared Goff has been a revelation. Add in a standout runner in Todd Gurley and a ruggedly physical defense, and suddenly this relocated group might have some cachet in L.A.

''Our guys just embrace that mentality where you come into a stadium and they have this breakdown of, `We're all we got. We're all we need,''' McVay said. ''These players are mentality tough. That's becoming the identity that you hear us talk about all the time.''

TEXANS (3-3)

Take away the best defensive player in football - J.J. Watt might be the best player in the NFL regardless of position - and two of his sidekicks, Whitney Mercilus and the suspended Brian Cushing - and what do you get?

Looks like a contender in the mediocre AFC South, that's what. By far, Houston has displayed the most gumption in that division.

The Texans are doing it with offense, thanks to sensational, record-setting rookie QB Deshaun Watson. All DeAndre Hopkins needed to become an elite receiving threat was a quality passer. He now has it, and that could be the difference in their sector.

SAINTS (3-2)

When they lost their first two games with a spotty defense, the Saints appeared ready for another losing record, perhaps enough to cost coach Sean Payton his job. Look at them now.

They've won three in a row with their dynamic offense rekindled as Drew Brees finds more and more weapons to throw to. The running game with Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara is strong.

And on Sunday, New Orleans scored on three turnovers in sprinting far ahead of Detroit, then hanging on. Yes, these Saints can decide games with their defense at times, too.

Should this continue, it will make for quite a race in the NFC South.

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 6
October 16, 2017

Overall Notes

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 6 RESULTS

Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 4-9
Against the Spread 2-11

Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 5-8
Against the Spread 5-8

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 7-6

The largest underdogs to win straight up
Dolphins (+13.5, ML +700) at Falcons, 20-17
Giants (+13.5, ML +600) at Broncos, 23-10
Bears (+5.5, ML +190) at Ravens, 27-24 (OT)

The largest favorite to cover
Texans (-7.5) vs. Browns, 33-17
Saints (-5.5) vs. Lions, 52-38

Jets Overhead

-- The New York Jets fell short in their upset bid against the New England Patriots, 24-17, but they were able to cover at home against their division rivals for the fifth consecutive time. They're also an impressive 7-1-1 ATS in the past nine meetings overall in this series. The Jets continue to bang covers, too, as they are now a perfect 4-0 ATS over the past four outings heading into next week's road trip in Miami.

Even-Week Blues

-- The Jacksonville Jaguars dropped a 27-17 decision against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, as a very strange trend continues to the Jags. They're now 3-0 SU/ATS in odd-numbered weeks, and 0-3 SU/ATS in weeks with an even number. As previously mentioned, the good news is that the Jags will have a bye in Week 8. If you believe in trends, they'll cover next weekend's game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. They opened as three-point favorites over Indy, as they look to improve on their 5-1 ATS mark over the past six road games. They're also 4-1 ATS in the past five against AFC South foes, while going 4-0 ATS in the past four vs. the Colts. Jacksonville is also an impressive 7-3 ATS in their past 10 trips to Indianapolis, so perhaps the trend continues into next week.
Total Recall

-- Sunday Night Football was a lopsided affair for most of the game, but not the same anyone envisioned. N.Y. Giants-Denver (37.5) had the lowest total on the board because of multiple injuries to skill position players for the previously winless G-Men. They weren't supposed to be able to score against Denver's vaunted defense, but it was the other way around. There were just 33 points scored in the game, with 23 surprisingly coming from New York.

-- The second-lowest total on the board -- Chicago-Baltimore (39.5) easily cashed 'over', as the two sides needed overtime to decide a winner. A 21-point flurry in the final quarter pushed the total over the number. The next lowest total was L.A. Rams-Jacksonville (42), and that was helped out by defensive and special teams scores. In fact, 'under' bettors probably couldn't believe their misfortune when Pharoh Cooper returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a score. Even with crazy start, which featured 31 points in the first quarter, the total just went over as there were only 13 points in the final three quarters.

-- The Detroit-New Orleans (50.5) line was the highest total on the board, and the Saints actually took care of the over themselves. This game was outstanding if you like scoring, and in a multitude of ways. There were five passing touchdowns, two running scores, three pick-sixes, a scoop and score, a punt return for touchdown and a pair of field goals.

-- The 'Over' is 10-9 (52.6%) through the first 19 primetime games of the 2017 season, with Monday's game between the Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans (48) pending. Officially, the 'over' finished 27-24 (52.9%) through 51 games under the lights in 2016. 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

-- Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (leg) suffered a lower right leg injury in the second half and he was unable to put any weight on his foot before finally being carted to the locker room from the sidelines.

-- Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston (shoulder) was knocked out of the loss in Arizona due to a shoulder injury, but he apparently checked out all right after the game. He tried throwing on the sidelines, but was unable to throw how he liked so he was held out for the remainder of the game.

-- Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) sustained a broken collarbone early in the first half in Minnesota, totally changing the complexion of that game. Rodgers might be in danger of missing the remainder of the season.

Looking Ahead

-- The Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Steelers. They won't have to wait long to take out their frustrations, as they travel to meet the skidding Raiders. Kansas City has covered 14 of their past 17 on the road, while going 6-0 ATS in their past six inside the AFC West. The Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record, and just 3-7 ATS over their past 10 appearances on Thursday. The Chiefs are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings with the Raiders, while going an impressive 11-3 ATS in their past 14 trips to the Black Hole. The road team has covered 21 in the past 28 meetings in this series. Kansas City opened as 2 1/2-point favorites. The under is also 18-6 in the past 24 meetings.

-- As mentioned, the Jets have covered four in a row. For whatever reason, Week 7 has been lucky for them, too, as they're 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven games during the week. The Dolphins are just 5-11 ATS in their past 16 divisional games, and 5-16 ATS in their past 21 home meetings with Gang Green. The Jets are 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings in this series, including a 20-6 win on Sept. 24 in the Meadowlands.

-- The Cardinals and Rams hook up in London, and the Rams are looking to get on track against the number. L.A. is just 1-10-1 ATS over their past 12 against NFC foes, and 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. They have also failed to cover in each of their past five inside the division. The Cardinals have covered six of the past eight meetings.

-- The Bengals hit the road to meet the up-and-down Steelers. Cincinnati is 4-0 ATS in the past four road games, but they're just 3-7-1 ATS in their past 11 against teams with a winning record. Pittsburgh has owned this series against the number, going 19-7-2 ATS in the past 28 in the series, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven home meetings with the Stripes. The 'under' is 5-1 in the past six meetings, and 7-1 in the past eight meetings at Heinz Field.

-- The Broncos meet the Chargers in L.A., and hope their luck is as good as it was in San Diego. The Broncos covered five of their past six in this series in the old home of the Chargers. The road team is 10-3-2 ATS in the past 15 meetings, including a 24-21 push when the Bolts rallied but came up short in Week 1 in the Mile High City.

-- The Redskins meet the Eagles on Monday night, and Washington looks to maintain their dominance in the series. The 'Skins are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings, and 8-2 ATS in their past 10 trips to Philly. Washington will be looking to exact a little revenge after a rare Philadelphia win, 30-17, back in Week 1 in the nation's capital.

[StarDust Bum]

Al Michaels sorry for 'Sunday Night Football' Weinstein joke
October 16, 2017

DENVER (AP) NBC play-by-play man Al Michaels has quickly apologized after making a joke about Harvey Weinstein during ''Sunday Night Football.''

Michaels mused in the middle of the third quarter of the game between the New York Giants and Denver Broncos that the Giants were ''coming off a worse week than Harvey Weinstein.'' His on-air partner Cris Collinsworth replied with a laugh and told Michaels ''only my L.A. guy comes up with that one.''

The comment got a negative reaction on social media and Michaels apologized in the fourth quarter for ''being a little flip'' with his reference to Weinstein, who faces sexual misconduct allegations. Michaels added that ''it was not meant in that manner.''

CBS late night host James Corden apologized earlier Sunday for Weinstein jokes made at an event Friday.

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Vikings QB Bridgewater cleared to practice
October 16, 2017

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has not played or practiced since suffering a dislocated left knee and torn ACL more than 13 months ago, was cleared to return to practice, according to multiple reports Monday.

Bridgewater was cleared by the doctor who performed the surgery last year, a source with direct knowledge of the exam that the quarterback underwent Monday in Dallas told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Dr. Dan Cooper, an orthopedic specialist who performed the major surgery on the dislocation on Sept. 9, 2016, examined Bridgewater on Monday morning and cleared him to begin practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN.

Bridgewater has been sidelined since being injured on Aug. 30, 2016, a week before the season. When he begins practicing, the Vikings will have three weeks to decide whether to add him to the active roster or keep him on the physically unable to perform list all year.

The 24-year-old Bridgewater, the Vikings' 2014 first-round pick, is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, when he passed for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

The Vikings ruled out starting quarterback Sam Bradford for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers due to a nagging left knee ailment, causing him to miss four of the past five games. Case Keenum has been starting in Bradford's absence.

"I don't think anything of (the Bradford and Bridgewater situations),'' Keenum told the Pioneer Press after Sunday's 23-10 win. "I'm playing quarterback and I love to play quarterback. ... There's a lot of externals in this business. ... But I don't have to answer that question. I can go out and play quarterback and have fun.''

Keenum, making his fourth start of the season, was 24-of-38 passing for 239 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Packers.

[StarDust Bum]

Steelers WR Bryant seems to shut down trade request
October 16, 2017

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant reportedly requested a trade recently, but he seemed to shut down those reports.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported late Sunday that sources informed him of Bryant's trade request, adding that Steelers teammates and coaches are well aware that the receiver is unhappy.

Bryant posted Sunday night on Twitter that he is happy to be in Pittsburgh.

"Big win today and tomorrow right back to work tomorrow I am happy to be a steeler and can't wait to reach number 7 this year," Bryant tweeted hours after the Steelers' 19-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bryant spoke with Steelers coaches ahead of last week's game, asking to be more involved in the offense, according to ESPN. Early indications are the Steelers do not plan to trade Bryant, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Bryant, 25, missed the entire 2016 season due to a suspension by the NFL for multiple drug violations under the substance-abuse policy. He has 17 catches for 231 yards and one touchdown in six games this season.

Bryant has 93 career receptions for 1,545 yards and 15 touchdowns in 27 regular-season games since being drafted in the fourth round in 2014. On Sunday, he had two catches for 27 yards.

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Demonstrators stage silent protest outside Ravens stadium
October 16, 2017

BALTIMORE (AP) More than 100 people participated in a silent protest before the start of the Baltimore Ravens game as the national anthem played inside the M&T Bank Stadium.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the protesters stood outside the stadium with their fists raised, then knelt down before the Ravens played the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Organizers said the goal was to show solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He drew criticism for refusing to stand for the anthem to protest the oppression of minorities. The Rev. Jamal Bryant said the reasons behind Kaepernick's actions have become lost in the political noise.

Members of the Ravens and many other teams knelt earlier this season after President Donald Trump said any player who doesn't stand for the anthem should be fired.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Record For Oct......Based on 5 units ( Best Bets and Opinons )

10/15/2017 13-11-0 54.17% +4.50
10/12/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/09/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/08/2017 8-10-0 44.44% -15.00
10/05/2017 1-0-1 100.00% +5.00
10/02/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
10/01/2017 9-12-0 42.86% -21.00

Totals............23 - 23 - 1....50.00%....-11.50


Best Bets:...................ATS...................Unit s........... ..O/U.............Units...............Total

10/15/2017.................2 - 4.................-12.00...........3 - 1...........+9.50........-2.50

10/12/2017.................1 - 0.................+5.00............1 - 0 ..........+5.00.......+10.00

10/09/2017.................1 - 0.................+5.00............1 - 0...........+5.00.........+10.00

10/08/2017.................3 - 3.................-1.50.............2 - 4...........-12.00...............-13.50

10/05/2017.................0 - 0 - 1.............0.00.............1 - 0...........+5.00................+ 5.00

10/02/2017.................1 - 0................+5.00.............0 - 1............-5.50.................- 0.50

10/01/2017.................4 - 4.................-2.00.............2 - 2............- 1.00.................- 3.00

Totals.........................9 - 7 - 1............+ 6.50...........6 - 7............-8.50................-2.00

Sunday Night 2 Team Parlay...........................0 - 2.................................-10.00

Thursday Night 2 Team Parlay........................1 - 0.................................+12.50

Thursday Night Game of the month................1 - 0.................................+5.00

Monday Night 2 Team Parlay..........................0 - 0 ................................??????


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MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

IND at TEN 08:30 PM

TEN -7.0 *****

O 46.5 *****

Using both best bets in a two team parlay also......

[StarDust Bum]

Mariota, Henry pace Titans past Colts in AFC South tilt

The Tennessee Titans (3-3) pulled away with two long scores in the fourth quarter, topping the Indianapolis Colts (2-4), 36-22, on Monday Night Football in Week 6. Here's what we learned:

1. The Titans were better off Monday night abandoning the "exotic" from their "exotic smashmouth" offense. With both Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray hobbled and playing like it, Tennessee saw limited success on their typical option trick plays. At no time was this strategy more evident than during a third-quarter first-and-goal opportunity, when Tennessee ran two outside runs to no avail, before attempting an incomplete pass up the middle. The Titans turned an Indianapolis turnover into just three points and wasted a golden opportunity to pull even early in the half.

But they learned their lesson quickly, running dive after sneak after dive into the Indy front seven on the ensuing 15-play drive, and pulled ahead in the fourth. Derrick Henry carried the load as the game wore on and iced it on Tennessee's final drive with an amazing 72-yard touchdown run, earning his first career 100-yard game in the process. If their top skill players continue to battle injuries, smashmouth up-the-middle football with Henry as the anchor will have to be Tennessee's calling card going forward.

2. Mariota returned from his one-week hamstring-induced hiatus, but he wasn't fully back on Monday night. The usually fleet-footed Mariota opted to stay in the pocket instead of freelance outside; coach Mike Mularkey even said, via the broadcast, that the plan was for Mariota "to take a sack" if necessary. Limiting the QB's movement was not the best use of Mariota's talents, but it allowed for a few special plays, including the game-winning 53-yard toss to underused rookie Taywan Taylor with just over five minutes to go. His health will be something to monitor as the season rolls along.

3. In his third career prime-time start, Jacoby Brissett (21 for 37, 212 yards, TD) showed flashes of greatness, but ultimately came up short in the second half. Unphased by the moment, the Colts quarterback, filling in the injured Andrew Luck, led Indy to three first-half scoring drives, but was shut out of the end zone in the final two frames. Brissett has been more than competent in place of Luck, showing more mobility than and similar leadership skills to his predecessor, but he can't carry the team by himself. T.Y. Hilton, nicknamed The Ghost, was next to invisible, tallying just one catch against Logan Ryan and Adoree' Jackson; and Frank Gore and his 4.9 YPC were replaced by Robert Turbin in the backfield late in the game. Speaking of...

4. Marlon Mack isn't getting enough love, and it's a shame. The rookie back saw just two carries on Monday night and showed great burst and vision on a 22-yard scamper in the first half, but was absent as Indy's lead disappeared and the Colts went to Turbin instead. The game-breaking back deserves more touches even if Chuck Pagano disagrees.

5. Give some credit to the Titans defense, who bounced back with a great second half. The aforementioned Ryan and Jackson had arguably their best games of the young season, while old man Wesley Woodyard led the team with two QB hits and eight tackles, including the crucial, game-sealing takedown of Brissett on a late-game fourth-down boot. The last we saw of Dick LeBeau's unit, it was struggling against a rookie in Deshaun Watson and a broadcatser in Jay Cutler. It's encouraging to see the defense put together a dominant half of football.

6. If you're a fan of punts, Monday night's first half was absolutely not for you. Tennessee and Indianapolis went back and forth right from kickoff, alternating six eight-plus-play scoring drives in one of the quickest first halves of the season. It was the first game all year without a punt in the first two frames. On the scoreboard, the only difference between the Colts and Titans at the break was a Jack Doyle TD reception on Indy's second march.

But... if you like field goals, boy, did we have a night! Ryan Succop banged home five field goals on five attempts, while the legend in the flesh, Adam Vinatieri, was a perfect 3-for-3, including one from 52 yards. Fun factt: Succop set an NFL record with his 47th consecutive successful kick inside 50 yards when he knocked in his first FG of the night, then extended the mark to 51 straight with four more such boots.

7. We've got a logjam atop the AFC South. With the victory, Tennessee (3-3) moved into a three-way tie withe Jaguars and Texans, while the Colts fell to the division cellar at 2-4. Each club has question marks at quarterback, either due to injuries or inexperience, making this race one of the tightest and most underrated in the league. Results like these will count heavily when winter approaches.

[StarDust Bum]

Titans kicker sets record with 47th straight kick inside 50
October 16, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee kicker Ryan Succop set an NFL record with his 47th consecutive successful kick inside 50 yards on a 48-yard field goal in the first quarter, and he just keeps adding to his new mark.

Succop came into Monday night's game against Indianapolis tied with Matt Bryant, who connected on 46 straight field goals inside 50 yards between 2013 and 2015 for the Atlanta Falcons.

The kicker capped the Titans' opening drive with his record-breaking field goal. Succop then made a 32-yard field goal late in the first quarter and a 40-yarder with 4:10 left in the second quarter.

Succop's current streak started in 2014, and he topped the franchise record of 24 straight set by Al Del Greco in 1995-1996.

[StarDust Bum]

Books rack up Week 6 win
October 16, 2017

It was a dog day afternoon in Las Vegas sports books with 10 of the 12 Sunday NFL games going to the underdog and eight of them winning outright. It wasn't the best win of the young season so far, but Week 6 produced another winner for the house.

"We had a good Saturday and a good Saturday, which is a rarity for us on the same weekend," said MGM Resorts hub manager Jeff Stoneback.

The books are on a roll and lately the bettors have been in a quandary; they're confused on what teams to wager on. They can no longer trust their favorite teams. Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook VP Jay Kornegay said they lost only one game on Sunday. One game? That's insanely good for the house. It was the same story everywhere around town.

"We won seven of the first 11 games -- the public had a rough day," Stoneback said. "Almost everything went our way -- parlays cards, teasers, money-line parlays."

The start to the romp over the public was the Atlanta Falcons blowing a 17-0 lead at home at losing 20-17 to Miami, who got as high as a 14-point underdog at the South Point in Las Vegas.

"The Dolphins beating the Falcons was our biggest game just becase it was tied into so other games," said Stoneback. "The next best for us was the Jets and Vikings winning outright."

The New York Jets were getting +9 against the Patriots and jumped out to a 14-point lead, but New England hung on for a 24-17 win.

"Solid day with the big win for us on the Vikings," said Station Casinos sports book director Jason McCormick. "The Texans cover was a nice straight bet win as well as 'dogs such as the Jets (+9), 49ers (+9), Cardinals (+2) and Dolphins covering. We continue to do well in teasers each week and beating the teasers and big money-line parlays going down. Rams (+2.5) and Steelers (+4) were losers for us in the afternoon. Lions-Saints Over (51) was also bet heavily and cashed."

The big deveolpement on the day was Aaron Rodgers separating his shoulder in Green Bay's 23-10 loss at Minnesota (+3).

"We adjusted all of our futures in the NFC because of Rodgers impact," said Stoneback. "We dropped the Eagles, Seahawks, Vikings and Saints. Rodgers is at least worth a TD. The difference between his worth and Brady is because Brady has a much better back-up with Garoppolo. Brett Hundley didn't look so good."

I'm thinking Rodgers is worth up to nine points which makes him easily the most important quarterback in the NFL.

An interesting angle for Green bay here is making a trade and it seems like the New York Giants have an agenda of getting USC QB Sam Darnold in the draft. They beat the Broncos, 23-10, as a 14-point underdog Sunday night, but how about trading Eli Manning to Green Bay. Rodgers could be out the entire season, so why not get a replacement. Manning would fit nice at Lambeau Field.

On the other side of that Denver loss, the Broncos QB woes were magnified even more. Trevor Siemien is horrendous and he's not the future. Paxton Lynch isn't the answer, nor is Brock Osweiler. Maybe Chad Kelly?

Best of luck this week my people.

Good luck and pick smart!

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Record For Oct......Based on 5 units ( Best Bets and Opinons )

10/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/15/2017 13-11-0 54.17% +4.50
10/12/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/09/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/08/2017 8-10-0 44.44% -15.00
10/05/2017 1-0-1 100.00% +5.00
10/02/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
10/01/2017 9-12-0 42.86% -21.00

Totals............25 - 23 - 1....52.08%....-1.50


Best Bets:...................ATS...................Unit s........... ..O/U.............Units...............Total

10/16/2017.................1 - 0.................+5.00...........1 - 0...........+5.00........+10.00

10/15/2017.................2 - 4.................-12.00...........3 - 1...........+9.50........-2.50

10/12/2017.................1 - 0.................+5.00............1 - 0 ..........+5.00.......+10.00

10/09/2017.................1 - 0.................+5.00............1 - 0...........+5.00.........+10.00

10/08/2017.................3 - 3.................-1.50.............2 - 4...........-12.00...............-13.50

10/05/2017.................0 - 0 - 1.............0.00.............1 - 0...........+5.00................+ 5.00

10/02/2017.................1 - 0................+5.00.............0 - 1............-5.50.................- 0.50

10/01/2017.................4 - 4.................-2.00.............2 - 2............- 1.00.................- 3.00

Totals.........................10 - 7 - 1............+ 11.50...........7 - 7............-3.50................+10.00

Sunday Night 2 Team Parlay...........................0 - 2..................................-10.00
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Thursday Night 2 Team Parlay........................1 - 0..................................+12.50

Thursday Night Game of the month................1 - 0..................................+5.00

Monday Night 2 Team Parlay..........................1 - 0 .................................+12.50

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s six-pack

NBA over/under win totals for the coming season:

Golden State Warriors 67.5

Boston Celtics 56.5

Houston Rockets 55.5

San Antonio Spurs 54.5

Cleveland Cavaliers 53.5

Oklahoma City Thunder 51.5

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Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..

13) You hear a lot of cruddy things about people these days; here’s something nice about someone, Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds.

Votto is the Reds’ biggest star; when a 6-year old boy in Cincinnati had cancer this past summer, Votto visited the kid, without wanting publicity, and tried to make the kid feel as good as possible as this horrible disease took its toll. He helped in a fundraising event for the boy’s family that the Reds sponsored- he contributed $10,000 of his own money.

The little boy passed away 10 days ago; Votto was at the memorial service, again not wanting publicity, but in this age of negativity, how can you can not talk about such a nice person?

12) Detroit Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford is on pace to get sacked 61 times this season; the last NFL QB to get sacked 60+ times in a season? Jon Kitna, also of Detroit, back in 2006.

11) Maryland fired its athletic director, in part because the guy tried to get the AD job out at California, and Maryland’s school president wasn’t happy about that.

10) Rams play Arizona in London Sunday, but they’re staying in Jacksonville until Thursday, to get solid practices in, as opposed to doing tourist-type stuff in England. Different teams have taken different approaches to the London games; we’ll see how this works out.

9) New York-Houston playoff game Friday was the first time ever that the two cleanup hitters in a playoff game were the starting shortstops.

8) Cubs’ pitching coach Chris Bosio takes a while to the walk to the mound, but with good reason; he has a broken ankle, and is wearing a boot on his foot.

7) 37-year old Damien Wilkins has been out of the NBA since 2013, but he made the Indiana Pacers’ roster this season— good for him.

6) Nebraska hired Washington State AD Bill Moos as its new athletic director, which may be bad news for both football coach Mike Riley and basketball coach Tim Miles, both of whom have been struggling to win as much as the wealthy boosters would like.

5) Ike Iroegbu played an exhibition game for the Clippers last week with no name on the back of his uniform; he had arrived in LA just a few hours before the game. Clippers cut him over the weekend; he is probably headed to the G-League.

4) Golden State Warriors may have found itself a steal in Oregon alum Jordan Bell; the 38th pick in the draft scored 29 points in 49 minutes in the preseason.

3) When Cavaliers’ JR Smith drinks coffee, he puts in 8 creams and 8 sugars in each one. Not a lot of room left for the coffee.

2) 49ers released LB NaVorro Bowman last week, a once-great player who is still good enough to play in the NFL. He signed with Oakland Monday.

1) Chiefs were at the last NFL team to lose this season; last time the “last team to lose” won the Super Bowl that year? The 2006 Indianapolis Colts

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Opening Line Report - Week 7
October 16, 2017

The NFL’s Week 7 card is highlighted by a Super Bowl rematch between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, although neither team is in the form it was in last winter.

New England is 4-2, but its seven-point road win (24-17) over the Jets didn’t impress anybody, least of whom bettors who laid -9. The Pats have covered just two games so far this season.

The Falcons on Sunday dropped their second straight home game, blowing a 17-0 lead to the Dolphins by giving up 20 second-half points. That’s not a good look against a team that had scored just two offensive touchdowns through its first four games.

Atlanta has taken most of the early betting action on next Sunday night’s affair. New England opened -4 at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook and -5 at the Wynn on Sunday night, but money on the underdog drove the line to -3.5 at most shops by Monday.

“We tried to shade it up a little bit just because it’s Sunday night,” said Westgate manager Ed Salmons, anticipating liability on the favorite to cap Sunday’s action. “But honestly, watching the Patriots play, they stink this year. There’s nothing to like about the Patriots, other than they have (Tom) Brady and they get the benefit of the doubt on every close call.”

While bettors don’t often get the opportunity to lay such a small number with the Pats at home, John Avello, sports book director at the Wynn, said the line “doesn’t feel light with the Patriots are playing. Offensively they still get the job done when needed. They’re just not complete right now. Will they be complete at the end of the year? Maybe. But football’s about matchups, and I don’t know how New England is going to stop the Falcons.”

While Avello envisions the Pats also being able to move the ball, the opening total of 54.5 is a field goal lower than it was for Super Bowl 51.

The Patriots’ winning touchdown in overtime put that game ‘over’ that total, but as Salmons pointed out, “The Super Bowl was really a dead ‘under’ pace. It just got crazy at the end.”

Here’s the rest of the Week 7 slate.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Kansas City Chiefs (-3 even, 47) at Oakland Raiders

Most of the 2.5s on this game have been snapped up by chalk players, as Kansas City visits a division rival that’s lost four straight.

“There’s no playmakers on offense,” Salmons said of the Raiders. “They have no speed whatsoever. Every pass is a two-yard pass. I’m not sure if that’s an offensive philosophy that they changed this year or what, but it’s alarming. That’s a team that scored a lot of points last year.”

When Oakland scored just 17 in a loss at home to Baltimore two weeks ago, the blame was put on quarterabck Derek Carr’s absence, but he played in Sunday’s 17-16 home loss to the Chargers and they scored two touchdowns.

“There’s something going on with that offense,” Salmons said.

Sunday, Oct. 22

Tennessee Titans (-6.5, 46) at Cleveland Browns

The line remain unchanged from its opener through Monday, as handicappers waited for Marcus Mariota’s return from a hamstring injury Monday night against the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5, 40.5) at Indianapolis Colts

While the line was adjusted up a half point from the opener of Jacksonville -3 in early wagering at CG Technology and the Wynn, the numbers indicate the betting market is not anticipating Andrew Luck’s return this week.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 41)

There are hints of interest in the 'dog in this ACF North showdown, as the line has been adjusted from 6 to 5.5 at multiple books.

Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings (-5, 39.5)

While the line was driven up from Minnesota -4.5 to -5.5 at the Westgate, it sits at that lower number at some books as of this Monday afternoon writing.

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3/120, 38.5)

The spread sitting a shade over a field goal suggests these teams are pretty evenly rated by the betting market, something that would have surprised most handicappers before the season, when the Jets’ rating was historically low.

Are these AFC East foes, in fact, even?

“I think Miami is better, but Miami can’t score, that’s their problem,” Avello said.

The Dolphins have a 3-2 record, but according to Salmons, “Miami could easily be 0-5. I don’t understand how they’re winning games. Their defense is fairly decent ,but the offense is just horrible.”

The total, meanwhile, is the lowest on next week’s card.

“These are two teams that don’t have much offense but have scrappy defenses,” Salmons said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills

No line on this game, as bookmakers await news on Jameis Winston.

Carolina Panthers (-3.5, 41) at Chicago Bears

There’s been early money on the home underdog, with Carolina -4 getting bet down to -3 (-125) at William Hill, and -3.5 inching down to -3 (-120) at the Westgate.

New Orleans Saints (-6.5, 47.5) at Green Bay Packers

This line has skyrocketed at the Westgate from its opener of New Orleans -3.5. In fact, Saints -6.5 represents a complete flip from Green Bay -6.5 the Westgate offered on its look-ahead lines a week ago. This is what happens when you go from Aaron Rodgers to Brett Hundley.

“I don’t know what the Packers are going to do with this kid Hundley,” Avello said. “Sometimes you throw a guy in an a desperation spot and he’ll do well, and he did do okay (in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota), but now you’re preparing him – I don’t know how you prepare him. He’s not ready to play NFL football. The Packers really gotta go out and get somebody.”

As for the Saints’ defensive revival, the opinions of our bookmakers differ drastically.

“I was high on the Saints defense to start the year,” Salmons said. “I was telling everyone here, ‘You’re going to be surprised to see how good the Saints defense is this year.’ Then the first two games they go out and give up a ton of points and I look like an idiot. But they’ve turned it around, and I’m not surprised.”

Avello,though, remains skeptical of the New Orleans D, despite three straight excellent performances.

“Defensively, they scare you a little bit because you know they’re never going to hold onto a lead,” he said. “I don’t consider them a very good defense. ”

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-3.5, 47.5)

Early bettors laid the field goal with the Rams, prompting bookmakers to add to the hook. This despite the Cardinals waking from their offensive slumber Sunday against the Bucs.

“Adrian Peterson seemed to give them life,” Avello said. “Maybe he was their missing piece or a spark...The offense showed signs of being what people expected of them.”

Avello, on the other hand, wasn’t as crazy about the Arizona defense, which nearly blew a 31-0 lead to a Bucs team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick in relief of the injured Winston.

Dallas Cowboys (-6, 47) at San Francisco 49ers

Dallas was adjusted from -4.5 to -6 in early wagering at the Westgate, with -6.5s getting bet down to -6s at other shops. Don’t be surprised, though, if late money pushes this number north.

“The public’s going to bet Dallas because it’s in the so-called ‘must-win’ territory,” Salmons said of the 2-3 Cowboys.

Seattle Seahawks (-6, 38.5) at New York Giants

The Westgate hung Seattle -7.5 on Sunday night, but after the Giants’ 23-10 win in Denver, the book reopened -6 on Monday morning.

“The Giants showed me a lot (Sunday) night,” Salmons said. “They definitely have the will to compete.”

He added, “I thought they had a chance to go into that game (at the Broncos) and get beaten badly. They’re offensive line has been dreadful, they can’t run the ball, Eli (Manning) was getting sacked, and other than Engram, he has no one to throw the ball to. But they actually ran the ball, and the offensive line played by far their best game of the year.”

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (-1.5, 42)

Here’s another game the Westgate adjusted after Sunday night’s surprise. The Broncos were posted -2.5 before their loss to the Giants, and reopened +1.5 on Monday.

Monday, Oct. 23

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-5, 48.5)

This game has been dealt as low as -4 and as high as -6.5, the line settling at -5 at most shops Monday.

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Betting Recap - Week 6
October 17, 2017

Overall Notes

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 6 RESULTS

Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 5-9

Against the Spread 3-11
Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 6-8
Against the Spread 6-8

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 8-6

The largest underdogs to win straight up
Dolphins (+13.5, ML +700) at Falcons, 20-17
Giants (+13.5, ML +600) at Broncos, 23-10
Bears (+5.5, ML +190) at Ravens, 27-24 (OT)

The largest favorite to cover
Texans (-7.5) vs. Browns, 33-17
Titans (-7) vs. Colts, 36-22
Saints (-5.5) vs. Lions, 52-38

Jets Overhead

-- The New York Jets fell short in their upset bid against the New England Patriots, 24-17, but they were able to cover at home against their division rivals for the fifth consecutive time. They're also an impressive 7-1-1 ATS in the past nine meetings overall in this series. The Jets continue to bang covers, too, as they are now a perfect 4-0 ATS over the past four outings heading into next week's road trip in Miami.

Even-Week Blues

-- The Jacksonville Jaguars dropped a 27-17 decision against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, as a very strange trend continues to the Jags. They're now 3-0 SU/ATS in odd-numbered weeks, and 0-3 SU/ATS in weeks with an even number. As previously mentioned, the good news is that the Jags will have a bye in Week 8. If you believe in trends, they'll cover next weekend's game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. They opened as three-point favorites over Indy, as they look to improve on their 5-1 ATS mark over the past six road games. They're also 4-1 ATS in the past five against AFC South foes, while going 4-0 ATS in the past four vs. the Colts. Jacksonville is also an impressive 7-3 ATS in their past 10 trips to Indianapolis, so perhaps the trend continues into next week.
Total Recall

-- Sunday Night Football was a lopsided affair for most of the game, but not the same anyone envisioned. N.Y. Giants-Denver (37.5) had the lowest total on the board because of multiple injuries to skill position players for the previously winless G-Men. They weren't supposed to be able to score against Denver's vaunted defense, but it was the other way around. There were just 33 points scored in the game, with 23 surprisingly coming from New York.

-- The second-lowest total on the board -- Chicago-Baltimore (39.5) easily cashed 'over', as the two sides needed overtime to decide a winner. A 21-point flurry in the final quarter pushed the total over the number. The next lowest total was L.A. Rams-Jacksonville (42), and that was helped out by defensive and special teams scores. In fact, 'under' bettors probably couldn't believe their misfortune when Pharoh Cooper returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a score. Even with crazy start, which featured 31 points in the first quarter, the total just went over as there were only 13 points in the final three quarters.

-- The Detroit-New Orleans (50.5) line was the highest total on the board, and the Saints actually took care of the over themselves. This game was outstanding if you like scoring, and in a multitude of ways. There were five passing touchdowns, two running scores, three pick-sixes, a scoop and score, a punt return for touchdown and a pair of field goals.

-- The 'Over' is 11-9 (55.0%) through the first 20 primetime games of the 2017 season after Monday's game between the Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans (48) went over. Officially, the 'over' finished 27-24 (52.9%) through 51 games under the lights in 2016. 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

-- Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (leg) suffered a lower right leg injury in the second half and he was unable to put any weight on his foot before finally being carted to the locker room from the sidelines.

-- Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston (shoulder) was knocked out of the loss in Arizona due to a shoulder injury, but he apparently checked out all right after the game. He tried throwing on the sidelines, but was unable to throw how he liked so he was held out for the remainder of the game.

-- Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) sustained a broken collarbone early in the first half in Minnesota, totally changing the complexion of that game. Rodgers might be in danger of missing the remainder of the season.

Looking Ahead

-- The Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Steelers. They won't have to wait long to take out their frustrations, as they travel to meet the skidding Raiders. Kansas City has covered 14 of their past 17 on the road, while going 6-0 ATS in their past six inside the AFC West. The Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record, and just 3-7 ATS over their past 10 appearances on Thursday. The Chiefs are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings with the Raiders, while going an impressive 11-3 ATS in their past 14 trips to the Black Hole. The road team has covered 21 in the past 28 meetings in this series. Kansas City opened as 2 1/2-point favorites. The under is also 18-6 in the past 24 meetings.

-- As mentioned, the Jets have covered four in a row. For whatever reason, Week 7 has been lucky for them, too, as they're 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven games during the week. The Dolphins are just 5-11 ATS in their past 16 divisional games, and 5-16 ATS in their past 21 home meetings with Gang Green. The Jets are 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings in this series, including a 20-6 win on Sept. 24 in the Meadowlands.

-- The Cardinals and Rams hook up in London, and the Rams are looking to get on track against the number. L.A. is just 1-10-1 ATS over their past 12 against NFC foes, and 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. They have also failed to cover in each of their past five inside the division. The Cardinals have covered six of the past eight meetings.

-- The Bengals hit the road to meet the up-and-down Steelers. Cincinnati is 4-0 ATS in the past four road games, but they're just 3-7-1 ATS in their past 11 against teams with a winning record. Pittsburgh has owned this series against the number, going 19-7-2 ATS in the past 28 in the series, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven home meetings with the Stripes. The 'under' is 5-1 in the past six meetings, and 7-1 in the past eight meetings at Heinz Field.

-- The Broncos meet the Chargers in L.A., and hope their luck is as good as it was in San Diego. The Broncos covered five of their past six in this series in the old home of the Chargers. The road team is 10-3-2 ATS in the past 15 meetings, including a 24-21 push when the Bolts rallied but came up short in Week 1 in the Mile High City.

-- The Redskins meet the Eagles on Monday night, and Washington looks to maintain their dominance in the series. The 'Skins are 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings, and 8-2 ATS in their past 10 trips to Philly. Washington will be looking to exact a little revenge after a rare Philadelphia win, 30-17, back in Week 1 in the nation's capital.

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Close Calls - Week 6
October 17, 2017

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 6 of the NFL regular season.

Philadelphia Eagles (+3) 28, Carolina Panthers 23 (43½): The Panthers and Eagles were knotted up at 10-10 at halftime and out of the break, the Eagles took advantage of an interception, actually going up by eight with a two-point conversion. Field goals were traded the next two possessions and a second Panthers field goal in the third quarter made it a five-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. Touchdowns on both sides kept the margin at five in the fourth quarter before two late Panthers drives threatened into Eagles territory. A push on the closing spread of -3 was possible as the Panthers would have gone for two up by one if they found the end zone, but the Eagles got an interception just outside the end zone with about three minutes remaining and then on Carolina’s final possession a 4th-and-short pass fell just incomplete past the two-minute warning as Philadelphia’s defense secured the outright underdog win.

Houston Texans (-7½) 33, Cleveland Browns 17 (46): The Texans took command with a 24-3 halftime lead and Houston led by 30 through three quarters. An interception return touchdown for the Browns early in the fourth quarter didn’t make much of a dent in Cleveland’s prospect of covering, but the total was one score short of matching or surpassing the closing number. Five consecutive drives ended in punts, but with Houston pinned deep the Browns got the ball back at midfield right after the two-minute warning. A pass interference call got the Browns more than half of the yardage and Kevin Hogan delivered a touchdown pass with a minute to go to deliver the ‘over’.

New England Patriots (-9) 24, New York Jets 17 (48½): The Jets took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter looking like a lock to cover as a heavy underdog in this AFC East clash. By halftime, New England had tied the game including getting a Rob Gronkowski touchdown with nine seconds before the break. Gronkowski scored again in the third quarter and an early fourth quarter field goal put New England just past the road favorite spread with a 10-point edge. The Jets appeared to get a touchdown with just over eight minutes remaining, but on review it was surprisingly but perhaps correctly ruled a fumble out the end zone for a touchback in a controversial call, keeping the margin at 10 and greatly decreasing the chances for an upset. New York forced a quick punt on defense and led a field goal drive inside of four minutes to trail by just seven and actually had the ball back in New England territory in the final seconds before the Patriots held on for the win but fell short of the spread. Those on the ‘over’ left disappointed as the Jets couldn’t force overtime as the ‘under’ held.

New Orleans Saints (-5) 52, Detroit Lions 38 (50): The Saints had nearly eclipsed the total themselves with a 45-10 edge a few minutes into the third quarter, but the Lions didn’t quit and made things interesting late in an incredibly long game than featured five non-offensive touchdowns. Detroit still trailed 45-24 after back-to-back touchdown drives late in the third quarter and then in the fourth Detroit got a 74-yard punt return touchdown from Jamal Agnew. A first down loss had the Saints in passing mode despite the two-touchdown edge in the fourth quarter and pinned deep Drew Brees was intercepted for a touchdown to suddenly make it a seven-point game. New Orleans was held to a three-and-out, but this time it was the Lions in the shadow of their own end zone and Matthew Stafford fell victim to another pick-six as the Saints went back up by 14. Stafford was intercepted again on the next possession before three more punts were needed to finally burn out the entire remaining clock with the Saints surviving the comeback bid for the win and cover.

Chicago Bears (+5) 27, Baltimore Ravens 24 (39½): The Bears scored with six minutes to go in the third quarter to lead 17-3 with a strong ‘under’ pace, but the kickoff was returned for a touchdown to put the Ravens back in the game. Baltimore added a field goal on a short field with about 11 minutes to go to trail 17-13 and a Chicago fumble set the Ravens up in great field position. Things turned sharply back the other direction as a Joe Flacco interception was returned 90 yards for a Bears touchdown. Baltimore made the ‘over’ a winner with a long field goal inside of three minutes and the Ravens got a miracle with a 77-yard punt return touchdown past the two minute warning. Baltimore tied the game with a successful two-point-conversion throw and overtime was needed in stunning fashion, keeping both side outcomes in play. Both teams had to punt on their first possessions leaving a field goal likely to win it and Mitchell Trubisky led a game-winning drive with Connor Barth connecting for a 40-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining in overtime.

Washington Redskins (-11) 26, San Francisco 49ers 24 (46): Washington led 17-0 in this game, but San Francisco managed to sneak into the end zone just before halftime. The 49ers kept the momentum in the second half tying the game through three quarters with the help of a Washington fumble. Washington hit a field goal and delivered an 84-yard touchdown drive as the favorite cover was back in play in the fourth quarter, but Washington missed the extra-point to only lead by nine, a critical play for some with the line opening as low as -9½. C.J. Beathard put hopes of a front door cover to rest delivering a long 49ers touchdown pass just past the two-minute warning. Down just two, the 49ers got the ball back and reached the Washington 40-yard-line before a costly offensive pass interference call made the downs and distance too difficult to reach with the late scoring also sending the game just ‘over’.

Los Angeles Rams (+1) 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 17 (42): The ‘over’ pace left little doubt with two touchdowns in the first 25 seconds of the game. With a pair of special team scores, the Rams had a 24-14 advantage at halftime with Jacksonville missing a field goal just before the break. The Rams fumbled with a scoring opportunity early in the third quarter leading to a field goal for the Jaguars to put the total score at 41, just shy of the over/under number. Jacksonville looked like a threat to score early in the fourth quarter, but Blake Bortles was intercepted. A pair of punts followed and the improbable ‘under’ had some life. The Rams picked up a pair of big third downs and hit a field goal at 2:32 to hit 44 while securing the underdog win in a game with more points in the first 15 seconds than the entire second half.

Tennessee Titans (-6½) 36, Indianapolis Colts 22 (46½): The Monday night line was very late to release with the question of Marcus Mariota’s health. The Tennessee quarterback wound up playing even though the line and total both fell from an opening release of -8 and an opening total of 49. The Colts led by 10 early in the third quarter after an interception return touchdown, but the Titans chipped away to trail 19-15 heading into the final frame with all spread and total results still in play. Tennessee took the lead back with a 15-play, 87-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter, but the Colts delivered a big kickoff return and tied the game with a 52-yard field goal. Mariota completed a 53-yard pass for a touchdown with just over five minutes remaining to seal the ‘over’ and put the Titans up by seven, in between the opening and closing spreads. Indianapolis was poised to answer reaching the Tennessee 13-yard-line, but failing going for it on 4th-and-short. Looking to run out the clock with Indianapolis exhausting its timeouts second year running back Derrick Henry broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run in the final minute to score a fortunate cover for those on the Titans.

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NFL Overreactions: Romo will leave the booth, save Packers
October 17, 2017

Tony Romo will rescue the cheeseheads.

Soon after Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone , Romo's name was mentioned as a potential replacement for the injured Green Bay Packers quarterback.

Romo even hinted he may not stay retired Thursday night during the broadcast for the Eagles-Panthers game. Surely, he'd jump at a chance to leave his cushy job in the booth to return to the NFL and play in his home state.

The Packers (4-2) may be without Rodgers for the rest of the season. If so, they're finished. But Romo could jump right in and lead them to the Super Bowl, right?

The same Romo who hasn't thrown a pass since New Year's Day? The one who last started a regular-season game 23 months ago?

Romo was 2-4 in six career playoff games. He's better off wearing a suit and talking into a microphone on Sundays. Brett Hundley is Green Bay's quarterback. And Colin Kaepernick won't be, either.

Here are more overreactions following Week 6:

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OVERREACTION: The Browns (0-6) will go 0-16.

REALISTIC REACTION: Another week. Another loss. Looks more and more realistic.

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OVERREACTION: There's no such thing as home-field advantage.

REALISTIC REACTION: Road teams have been having their way, but that can't keep up as the weather starts to turn.

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OVERREACTION: Carson Wentz will be NFL MVP.

REALISTIC REACTION: The Eagles (5-1) are one of the NFL's biggest surprises, but it's only October.

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OVERREACTION: The Broncos (3-2) are overrated and won't make the playoffs.

REALISTIC REACTION: Classic letdown against the depleted Giants (1-5), but the loss can be the reason they don't play in January.

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OVERREACTION: Adrian Peterson is back to his MVP form.

REALISTIC REACTION: The star running back had an excellent debut with the Cardinals, but it'll be tough to sustain that kind of success.

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OVERREACTION: Defense is the new offense. Teams scored 14 non-offensive TDs this week.

REALISTIC REACTION: Sloppy offense is a big culprit.

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OVERREACTION: Cam Newton is selfish.

REALISTIC REACTION: Just because he stopped teammates from celebrating so he could do his Superman pose alone in front of a camera after a touchdown doesn't mean he's all about Cam.

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OVERREACTION: The Chiefs (5-1) are overrated.

REALISTIC REACTION: The Steelers (4-2) have their number and were determined to rebound from an embarrassing loss.

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OVERREACTION: Kyle Shanahan will be Coach of the Year.

REALISTIC REACTION: He has the 49ers (0-6) competing and staying close but they need to win a game.

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OVERREACTION: The Rams (4-2) are the team to beat in the NFC West.

REALISTIC REACTION: Let's see how they fare with a tough travel schedule upcoming.

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OVERREACTION: Deshaun Watson is the best rookie quarterback since Dan Marino.

REALISTIC REACTION: Watson is off to an outstanding start, but hold off on his bust for Canton.

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OVERREACTION: Leonard Fournette is the next Bo Jackson.

REALISTIC REACTION: Fournette is an excellent running back, but can he hit a 500-foot home run?

[StarDust Bum]

AP source: Suspended Elliott getting emergency hearing in NY
October 17, 2017

Attorneys for Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott are asking for an emergency hearing in federal court in New York on the belief that the running back's six-game suspension over domestic violence allegations would be in place for at least a week without further legal intervention by Tuesday.

Elliott's legal team and NFL lawyers were set for a hearing Tuesday afternoon in the Southern District of New York, about two hours before what Elliott's attorneys believed was a deadline for active rosters to be set for the Cowboys' game Sunday at San Francisco.

The NFL placed Elliott on the suspended list Friday, a day after a federal appeals court overturned a Texas court's injunction that had allowed him to play this season.

In their request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the New York court, Elliott's attorneys said NFL procedure required rosters to be set by 4 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday. They also said the NFL had already informed Elliott that he couldn't practice or play this week.

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Cowboys face life without Elliott
October 16, 2017

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys return from the bye trying to settle things down and get back on track after a disappointing start and a week of drama.

The team is below .500 with a 2-3 record.

Owner Jerry Jones didn't help moral in the locker room by becoming the first owner in the NFL to declare he would discipline players who protested during the national anthem.

They had two team meetings and Jones met with the players to discuss the matter. They seem to be back on the same page.

And then on the field, the Cowboys said goodbye to two opening-day starters. Cornerback Nolan Carroll was cut and nose tackle Stephen Paea retired, although he was officially placed on Injured Reserve.

And then the Cowboys got the news they have been dreading all along as running back Ezekiel Elliott has been officially put on the suspended list after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans lifted an injunction that had blocked the suspension.

Elliott will miss the next six games, unless a legal Hail Mary comes through.

So, the Cowboys will have to move forward with a committee of running backs, including Alfred Morris, Rod Smith and Darren McFadden.

The Cowboys will have to rely on quarterback Dak Prescott, who has been very good through the first five games.

Prescott had arguably the best rookie season by a quarterback in league history a year ago. He threw for 3,667 yards with 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. This season, he is on pace for 35 touchdown passes and more than 3,800 passing yards, along with 400 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Said head coach Jason Garrett: "He's playing really well. He's really doing everything we ask him to do. He makes so many plays within the scheme, throwing the ball to the right guy on a consistent basis. And then when things break down, making great plays with his feet and his arm out of the pocket."

The Cowboys need the defense to improve if they hope to tread water with Elliott out and stay in the playoff chase.

The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in the past two games. That would have been enough to win 15 of their 16 regular-season games last year. The defense has to be able to shut down teams when given double-digit leads, and create takeaways. Getting All-Pro linebacker Sean Lee back after missing two games with a hamstring injury should help the defense get its edge back.

Rookie cornerback Jourdan Lewis has flashed promise early on and will continue to get more and more playing time. The Cowboys liked what they've seen from him enough to release Carroll. Lewis' play will give the Cowboys flexibility to give rookie cornerback Chidobe Awuzie more time at safety, a position that hasn't been as effective as expected early on with veterans Byron Jones and Jeff Heath.

Look for Awuzie to get more time in place of Heath.

--Running back Ezekiel Elliott is not giving up in his fight with the NFL over his six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The NFL Players Association filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the Southern District Court of New York that could put the suspension back on hold. The motion requests a ruling by 3 p.m. Tuesday, but the hearing has not yet been put on the docket.

The move came on the heels of last Thursday's decision by the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to grant the NFL a stay of the preliminary injunction blocking his six-game suspension and ordering that his case against the league be dismissed.

Elliott filed a petition with the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals asking for a rehearing.

But the Fifth Circuit has slowed the request so Elliott and his lawyers were forced to file for the TRO in a court that has historically been more favorable to the NFL.

NOTES: DE DeMarcus Lawrence leads the league with 8.5 sacks through five games and is on pace for 27. The NFL record is 22.5. The 8.5 sacks are already a career high. Lawrence is on pace to be the Cowboys' first double-digit sack player since Jason Hatcher had 11 in 2013. ... P Chris Jones might be the MVP of the first half on defense. Jones has had 12 of his 20 punts downed inside the 20. ... LB Sean Lee is expected to be ready to go against the San Francisco 49ers after missing the past two games with a strained hamstring. ... LB NaVorro Bowman was set to visit the Cowboys on Tuesday after being cut by the 49ers. But he signed with the Raiders on Monday. It speaks to an admission by the Cowboys that their linebacker play has been subpar. ... RB Alfred Morris will get to start in place of a suspended Ezekiel Elliott. He has been the primary backup through the first five games. But this will be committee approach, with Rod Smith handling third downs and Darren McFadden spelling Morris.

REPORT CARD AFTER FIVE GAMES

--PASSING OFFENSE: C -- Quarterback Dak Prescott has been great with 1,192 passing yards and 11 touchdowns to just four interceptions. But the line has not been as good in pass protection and his receivers have been a disappointment. Dez Bryant has 21 catches for 264 yards and no 100-yard receiving games. Cole Beasley, the leading receiver of a year ago, has 15 receptions for 109 yards and has not been the third-down converter of a year ago.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: D -- The Cowboys went from having the league's top running back of a year ago to floundering with the same player in Ezekiel Elliott, who is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and has just 393 yards through five games. Some blame goes to Elliott, who has had his mind in the legal situation, as well a poor play up front from a line that is no longer the best unit in the NFL.

--PASS DEFENSE: D -- DeMarcus Lawrence has 8.5 sacks, yet the Cowboys still don't get to the quarterback with any consistency or effectiveness. He needs help. The safety play has been an abomination with Jeff Heath and Byron Jones. The Cowboys have had a revolving door at cornerback because of injuries with Chidobe Awuzie, Orlando Scandrick, Jourdan Lewis and Nolan Carroll missing games due to injuries. Carroll, the top free-agent signee and opening-day starter, has been cut.

--RUSH DEFENSE: F -- The Cowboys are giving up 128 yards per game on the ground and a robust 4.6 yards a carry. They have allowed three 100-yard rushers after not allowing one all last season. They have missed linebacker Sean Lee, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. But the line play up front has not done its job in stopping the run, and middle linebacker Jaylon Smith has been overmatched and exposed after being forced into action because of an injury to Anthony Hitchens. Subpar play at safety from Jeff Heath and Byron Jones has only compounded the problem.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: B -- Kicker Dan Bailey has made 7 of 7 field goals. He is automatic. Punter Chris Jones has downed 12 of 20 punts inside the 20. He is also averaging 43.7 yards per attempt. Kick returner Ryan Switzer has been average at best with poor decisions on kickoff returns and a fumbled punt.

--COACHING: D -- The Cowboys are 2-3. They were embarrassed in Denver when they weren't ready to play. They have blown two double-digit leads, and for the first time in history they lost two games after scoring 30 or more points. Rod Marinelli's defense is on pace for 10 takeaways after setting its sights on 40 at the start of the season. The Cowboys have had no takeaways the past three games, including two losses. The defense has gone 213 plays since last getting a takeaway (a Jourdan Lewis interception in Week 2 at Denver).